Our bees are back!
Amazing work by Hergen Bayer bringing the wonderful Native Irish Honey Bee back onto Cloudforests One 🐝
Hergen has hand-built these hives and spent some time over the last week or so introducing the bees to their new homes. Fascinating stuff, and we're so excited to "bee" part of this story as he works to protect the native Irish Honey bee population! 🏡
🌳 If you would like to support our Forests for Nature programme get run touch with us through our website www.cloudforests.ie
NIHBS Native Irish Honeybee Society #makingplanetearthcool#climateaction #climatechange #esg #csr #savethebees #nativeirishbees#beewhisperer #newhomes
Title: Exploring Ireland's Native Honey Bees and their Society
Irish honey bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) have a special place in the heart of Ireland. These native honey bees are an essential part of Ireland's natural ecosystem and cultural heritage. Known for their remarkable adaptability and resilience, they have played a vital role in pollination and honey production for centuries. Let us delve deeper into the world of these extraordinary creatures and understand the significance of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
Native Irish Honey Bees: Guardians of Biodiversity
The Native Irish Honey Bee, also called the Irish Black Bee, is a locally adapted subspecies of the western honey bee. They exhibit unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in Ireland's distinct climate and landscapes. With their dark coloration, robust build, and long tongue, these bees have successfully adapted to the cool and changeable weather conditions that prevail across the island.
One key attribute of the Native Irish Honey Bee is their significant role in pollination. Bees, including the Irish honey bees, play a crucial part in the reproductive cycle of countless plant species, ensuring the continued survival of biodiversity. Their foraging activities across meadows, woodlands, and gardens allow them to transfer pollen grains from one flower to another, enabling plant reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds.
The Native Irish Honey Bee Society: Preserving a Rich Heritage
The Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and promotion of the indigenous Irish honey bee. Founded in 2001, the society seeks to safeguard the Native Irish Honey Bee and increase public awareness regarding their importance to Ireland's natural environment.
The NIHBS focuses on various activities that support the sustainability of the Irish honey bee population. This includes genetic conservation programs, selective breeding, disease control, and the provision of educational resources for beekeepers and the wider public. By collaborating with stakeholders and beekeeping associations across Ireland, the society provides a platform for knowledge exchange and research, working towards the common goal of protecting Irish honey bees.
Challenges Faced and Future Outlook
Despite their adaptability, native Irish honey bees face formidable challenges. One of the most significant threats is the potential for hybridization due to the introduction of non-native honey bee subspecies. The spread of diseases and parasites, such as the Varroa mite, also pose significant risks to the native populations.
