Honey bee health strategy survey 2022: analysis

Conclusions

1. The Scottish Government Honey Bee Health survey did accomplish the original aims of gathering the views of the Beekeeping Community in Scotland and those with an interest in honey bees to help guide the direction of the 2022 honey bee health strategy as well as identifying areas which can be improved upon to best continue supporting Scotland’s honey bees in the longer term.

2. 83.64% of participants who completed this survey described their beekeeping as hobbyist, 92% were age 41 or over and 76.67% indicated the main reason for their interest in honey bees was their enjoyment as a hobby or they had a general interest in bees. The environment was another notable reason amongst 18.03% of participants.

3. 35.30% of participants told us the best way for Scottish Government to communicate with them was through the SBA or BFA. This was closely followed by their local association (30.15%) or though BeeBase (26.21%). When asked for other suggestions the top suggestion was to contact them direct by email.

4. Only 20.94% of respondents reported they’d had contact with the Scottish Government’s Bee Health Team in the last 24 months. Of those who’d had contact, almost 60% was with the Bee Inspector(s) and almost 44% with SASA. When asked to rate their experience the responses were mostly positive with the majority of people rating their experience satisfied or very satisfied. From the comments, the main reasons for the small number who were dissatisfied were due to delays or not being happy with the Scottish Government Policy position on the area they enquired.

5. The majority of participants (76.04%) are aware that bee health policy in Scotland is devolved and the Scottish Government website contains relevant information. Although results indicate that there is still work to be done on communication and engagement on this area.

6. The vast majority (94.13%) of participants confirmed they were aware of the appropriate legislation requiring beekeepers to notify the Scottish Government of any suspicion of a notifiable pest or disease and the processes involved.

7. A high percentage (87.33%) of participants confirmed they were registered on BeeBase. When asked how often they logged into BeeBase to ensure the location of their apiaries, movement and number of hives were up to date, just less than half (47.76%) do this when the movement or change of location occurs. 35.70% of participants review their record on an annual basis. When asked to suggest how we could encourage beekeepers to keep their records up-to-date, email reminders were a popular suggestion. Other suggestions included the SBA and local associations reminding their members, making it mandatory and improving BeeBase.

8. Participants were asked to provide information on what improvements they would like to see included in the new strategy to help improve the health of Scotland’s honey bees. Comments show education remains at the forefront of future work. Other topics suggested included bans or restrictions placed on imports and pesticides, government funding for new beekeepers and local associations, more communication, introduction of compulsory registration, more research, more bee inspections and protection for Varroa-free areas.

9. The next strategy will consider issues such as biodiversity and the interaction of managed honey bees with other pollinators in terms of competition and pathogen spread. Participants were asked for their views on how this should be taken forward. 73.26% of participants chose education as the best way to take this forward. Suggestions included educating the public, landowners, farmers and Councils as well as beekeepers. A small number (14.41%) of participants opted for government intervention to be considered. During open feedback other suggestions included restriction on importing bees with more encouragement to conserve native stocks of honey bees, funding and investment into research and science on this topic, funding for farmers and landowners to promote environmentally sustainable practices and work looking at the impact of large-scale commercial beekeeping.

10. Participants were asked if they would support the introduction of compulsory registration for beekeepers and apiary locations. 71.88% confirmed they would support this with the remaining 28.13% not in support. When invited to provide additional comments many felt it would limit the spread of disease and improve traceability, some felt bees should be subject to movement and traceability requirements the same as other livestock. Those not in support, commented that education and engagement was a better approach and regulations could deter new or hobbyist beekeepers. Others queried how this would be enforced, some were concerned about the location of their apiaries being made public and others queried why we would want to bring in EU regulation when Scotland is no longer in the EU.

11. Participants were asked how likely they would be to attend a Bee Health day in future hosted by the Scottish Government and associated partners. 79% of respondent said they would likely attend. Participants were invited to tell us about other ways they would like to receive training/education. Popular suggestions included pre-recorded demos or live webinars. Some stated they would attend if they were held locally or within reasonable travelling distance. Some said they’d prefer training delivered through their local association.

12. Participants were asked to choose what level of training they’d prefer with the options being beginner, intermediate or advanced. Differing levels were preferred with the most popular level being intermediate with just over 60% of participants selecting this option.