Bees

Bees are not a protected species but they are vital to our bio diversity and ultimately our ability to produce food, so colonies should only be destroyed in the most extreme cases

Know what type of bee you are dealing with - beekeepers will only collect honey bees. If they are furry and dull in colour they will be bees - wasps and hoverflies are much brighter. Other types of bee such as bumble bees and solitary bees pose very little risk and should be left alone

As part of the normal reproductive cycle bees will occasionally swarm late spring. Whilst this can look alarming they will move on after a short period and should be left alone

The link provided to the British Beekeepers Association has information and pictures on all types of bees and insects that look like bees. It also gives a link to contact your local honey bee swarm collector.