We are thrilled to announce the return of the B4 Symposium, a crucial event for beekeepers, scientists, policymakers, and conservationists who share a passion for sustainable beekeeping and the protection of native honey bees. Mark your calendars for Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February 2025 and join us for two inspiring days of collaboration, learning, and action.
📅Saturday, 22nd February 2025
📍Mount Edgcumbe Native Honey Bee Reserve
Nestled in the scenic Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, a joint treasure of Cornwall County Council and Plymouth City Council, Saturday promises to reconnect us to the roots of conservation.
12–1 PM – Lunch at the Orangery, overlooking the park's beautiful grounds.
1–2 PM – Reception at Mount Edgcumbe Apiary.
2–3 PM – Apiary Tour - This tour revisits the Mount Edgcumbe Native Honey Bee Reserve, opened in 2017, where a thriving colony of native Apis mellifera mellifera has been carefully managed and monitored.
Special thanks to the Mount Edgcumbe County Park management and local MP Anna Gelderd.
📅Sunday, 23rd February 2025
📍Hybrid Symposium: 9 AM – 3 PM at Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Calstock, PL18 9QX
Join us for a full day of thought-provoking presentations and discussions aimed at evidence-based action to address the threats posed by honey bee imports.
09.00 Doors open. Hot beverage available.
09.15 Live music.
09.45 Welcome from Steve Woods, Calstock Arts environment series.
09.50 Welcome from Selwyn Runnett B4 Project - The aim of the collective talks.
10.00-10.15 A picture of honey bee imports into the UK - Professor Mairi Knight.
10.15-10.30 Threats from imports a) disease - Norman Carreck
10.30-10.45 Threats from imports b) loss of traits/genetic variation/locally adapted variants/introgression, Associate Professor Jon Ellis.
10.45-11.00 The current status of Amm. in the UK (including free-living), Dr Matthew Richardson BeeBytes.
11.00-11.15 Break
11.15-11.30 A history of imports and the current status of Amm. in Ireland (including free-living colonies), Professor Grace McCormack
11.30-11.45 The status of Amm. across its wider European range, Professor Alice Pinto (remote presentation).
11.45-12.00 Conservation efforts/import status in other countries, Dr Maria Bouga (remote presentation).
12.00-12.15 Practical solutions for beekeepers, Selwyn Runnett
12.15- 13.00 Open panel questions
13.00-14.00 Lunch, pasties
14.00-14.30 Film "Mail order queens".
14.30 B4 closing brief, Selwyn Runnett
Symposium Goals
The B4 Symposium will present clear and compelling evidence for:
A change to the current status of honey bee imports into Britain and Ireland.
The threats posed by imports:
The role of Ireland and Britain as potential strongholds for the European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
Practical solutions to reduce imports and promote sustainable colony management.
Why This Matters
Honey bee imports pose serious risks to wild and managed colonies across Britain and Ireland, contributing to:
Disease transmission and hybridization.
Loss of genetic resilience and local adaptations critical for survival in changing climates.
Efforts led by groups like the B4 Project and researchers such as Grace McCormack and Jacques van Alphen emphasise the importance of locally adapted populations and the rejection of imports to preserve the genetic integrity of Apis mellifera mellifera.
Join Us in Taking Action
This symposium provides a unique opportunity to unite science, conservation, and community around sustainable solutions for our native bees. Whether you’re a beekeeper, policymaker, or concerned citizen, your voice matters.
We look forward to seeing you at Mount Edgcumbe and Calstock Arts this February as we lay the foundation for a future without imports – one that secures the resilience and health of our precious native honey bees.
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