Native Irish Honey Bees
Forests That Buzz
In 2022, we announced our intention to undertake the role of a Conservation Area for the Apis mellifera mellifera (Native Irish Honey Bees) on ALL of our Cloudforest sites in partnership with NIHBS (Native Irish Honey Bee Society).
Together, with our Cool Partners, we will create forests that buzz for the planet along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Fun Facts
Ancient Residents: Native Irish honey bees have been in Ireland since the last Ice Age, making them one of the oldest inhabitants of the island.
Unique Appearance: They’re darker and hairier than other honey bee subspecies, giving them better insulation against Ireland’s cool, damp climate.
Hardy Survivors: Unlike imported honey bees, the native Irish strain is naturally adapted to Ireland’s weather and forage, making them resilient and easier to maintain.
Excellent Navigators: They have an amazing memory for landmarks, which helps them return to the hive even after foraging miles away.
Efficient Pollinators: They’re not just about honey; their real superpower is pollination. Without them, many wildflowers, fruits, and crops would struggle.
Why They’re Important
Biodiversity Guardians: By pollinating wild plants, they support ecosystems that other insects, birds, and animals depend on.
Food Security: About one-third of our food depends on pollination, with crops like apples, strawberries, oilseed rape, and many vegetables relying on bees.
Climate Adaptation: Because they’re so well-suited to Ireland’s climate, the native honey bee is more sustainable than imported strains.
Cultural Heritage: Beekeeping in Ireland goes back thousands of years – honey was a prized food in early Irish society, even mentioned in ancient laws.
Environmental Indicators: Bees act as a natural “alarm system” when their populations decline; it’s often a sign of wider environmental problems like pesticide use or habitat loss.
