Sir, – I refer to recent correspondence (Letters, July 6th and 9th) relating to the honey bee and its whereabouts and am delighted to inform you that yesterday as we did some work in the back garden we came upon a very recently formed swarm of bees on an apple-tree branch. The cluster was about the size of a size four football and emitted both a low hum and a gentle warmth. Fortunately for us and for the bees our kindly neighbour, Philip, is a bee keeper and he brought along an empty hive into which he gently brushed most of the resting swarm.
On first inspection this morning, all seems well and the creatures are busily coming and going about their gathering chore. We look forward with reasonable optimism to some winter nourishment. – Yours, etc,
KATHLEEN GLEESON,
MICHAEL GLEESON,
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Killarney,
Co Kerry.
Sir, – Bees are much influenced by temperature and rain and generally only forage when temperatures are around 15 Celsius. As June was comparatively cold, it also inhibited flower growth, doubly impacting foraging bee activity and visibility. The long-term impact on bees will be reduced honey production and winter stores, but a month or two of warmer weather can alleviate that.
By all means plant bee-friendly herbage and let your gardens grow wild. The neighbours might scowl but the wildlife will be buzzing. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS FINN,
Cappataggle,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
