Beekeeper appointed to keep hornets at bay

Sunday 17 March 2019

An experienced beekeeper has been appointed as Jersey’s ‘Asian Hornet Coordinator’ to protect the island’s honey bee populations, environment and general public from the dangerous “pest."

Alastair Christie, former Managing Director of the Lavender Farm, will be taking on the role due to his first-hand experience of beekeeping and hornet tracking.

His post was created as part of Jersey’s Asian Hornet strategy, which comes in response to an increase in nest findings in the island from 2016 after the hornets were accidentally introduced to France.

Pictured: There has been an increase in sightings of Asian Hornet nests in the island. (Nigel Errington)

A total 55 nests were found and destroyed last year - including one in an islanders' home - prompting the National Bee Unit to send two teams of six UK Bee Inspectors to Jersey this August.

Of his appointment, Alastair said: “It’s a unique role that suits me: I’m hands-on, I like the outdoors and I’ve been a beekeeper for many years. I have a keen interest in Jersey’s diverse and rich ecology, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in protecting it from this invasive species. 

“The Asian Hornet has the ability to change the face of beekeeping and the ecology of Jersey. It is worth doing our bit to fight this pest, and it’s important that our response is co-ordinated and draws on the expertise across the island.”

Pictured: Alastair has been appointed as Asian Hornet Coordinator, in part, due to his experience as a beekeeper.

As Asian Hornet Coordinator, Alastair will work alongside the Jersey Bee Keepers’ Association – of which he is a former Management Committee member – as well as the Jersey Asian Hornet Group and scientific staff from the Environment Department.

Bringing about what is hoped to be “a coordinated response to the hostile species”, this new approach to the impact of the hornets in the island arises out of the Asian Hornet Strategy and its 2019 Management Plan which has been published this week.

Environment Minister Deputy John Young said: “Mr Christie’s appointment as part of the Asian Hornet strategy highlights the important issue of this invasive species. We need to recognise and continue to resource this growing work stream properly if we want to take the protection of our environment seriously.”

Lead picture: Jersey's new 'Asian Hornet Coordinator' Alastair Christie. (CONNECT/Glen Perotte)