Bee numbers may become unsustainable

A scheme to introduce bee hives in London may have lead to unsustainable bee numbers in the city, according to London Beekeepers Association (LBKA).

An organisation that offers hives to firms in central London said in those areas the number of bee hives have doubled from four to eight since the scheme began. It also says it has introduced more plants and bucked the national trend with an increase in the amount of honey produced.

However, elsewhere in England and Wales, the total honey crop is estimated to be down 50 per cent this year, according to a recent survey by the Bee Farmers' Association (BFA).

LBKA believe firms should focus their spending on planting forage instead. Spokesperson, Angela Woods, said: "There are a finite number of green spaces in London. It could get to the point where bees are not sustainable.

"London's bee population is going up but honey yields in London are going down and we need to ask is it because there is not enough forage."

LBKA said latest government figures showed the number of officially registered bee colonies in London is 3,337, which has more than doubled since 2008.

Ms Woods added: "We may have too many bees in London."