Decoding bee dance to stop decline

More than just a sweet treat, honey has long been renowned for its health benefits as an anti-inflammatory, a powerful antiseptic and as natural skin product but the hardworking honey bee is under threat.

Bees are central to our food supply with one third of all crops relying on the help of the honey bee for pollination. Research has suggested several possible causes for the catastrophic exodus of bees but so far the cause is unknown.

Now Sussex University is involved in a five year project to decode the intricate dances of worker bees to determine the habitats they like and the distances they travel to collect nectar.

The information will be used to make recommendations for land use in both rural and urban areas to benefit honey bees and beekeepers.

Scientists are also trying to breed disease resistant bees and provide breeder queens to beekeepers.

The Sussex Wildlife Trust, based near Henfield, is playing its part by encouraging people to grow nectar rich flowers and to train as bee keepers to try to stop the decline.

Henri Brocklebank, Living Landscapes Manager for the trust, said: "In most garden centres you can buy a wildflower mix, which is particularly good for nectar rich flowers. Any plant that has a nice scent sends a messge to insects: 'I've got nectar'.

"Buddleia for example is not a native plant but it attracts bees and butterflies.

"You can keep hives in all kinds of environments, even on a London roof-top but we advise you to attend a bee keeping course and to shadow experienced bee keepers to learn the ropes."

Sussex University has established a new laboratory for its research and has appointed Professor Francis Ratnieks, the UK's only Professor of Apiculture (bee-keeping) to head it.

Professor Ratnieks trained in honey bee biology at Cornell University and the University of California and has 25 years experience of honey bee research and beekeeping.

He said: "Insect societies face many of the problems faced by human society, including maintaining public health, organising efficient information and transport systems and maintaining harmony in the group. By pollinating many of the plants that we eat, honeybees are vital for agriculture."

Plumpton Agricultural College runs regular bee keeping courses and can be contacted on: 01273 890454.