English Beehive Loss Rate 13.6% Over Winter; Some Improvement, But Drought, Neonicotinoids Problems

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Honeybee populations declined by 13.6% over the winter, according to a survey of beekeepers across England. Losses were most severe in the north-east, where the survey recorded a loss rate of 17.1%.

Experts worry that the declines will affect plant productivity. There are also concerns that the declines, along with drought conditions in some areas, will mean less English honey this year.

Martin Smith, president of the British Beekeepers Association, which carried out the survey, said: "If this was measured against similar losses in livestock it would be seen as disastrous and there would be great concern on the knock-on impact of food prices."

Beekeepers are puzzled by the decline because the cold winter and early spring should have favoured bees. They stay "clustered" tightly in their hives when it is cold and dry, saving energy for spring foraging when the temperature rises about 12C. However, there is good news that the rate of colony loss has slowed. Four years ago, one in three hives was wiped out.

EDIT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/22/honeybees-decline-over-winter