Asian Hornets: measuring and modelling the new emerging threat to managed and wild pollinators
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
The Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) [AH] is an invasive alien species that is rapidly spreading through Europe. It is an important emerging threat to wild and managed pollinators, as it is a voracious predator of insects. Over 50% of its diet has been reported to consist of honeybees, wild bees and wasps. The AH live in large nests producing 5,000-20,000 individuals and the workers hawk for prey at bees' nest entrances, and flower patches, picking off foragers and shutting down foraging activity to the detriment of the colony. AH have caused significant damage to honeybee colonies in France and Italy with increased mortality of 5-80% where AH has established, threatening the viability of beekeeping and honey production. Of additional and immediate concern is the damage it could cause to wild bee and wasp populations, and the pollination services they provide to crops and wild flowers, but these effects have not been quantified.
An AH nest was first found in UK in September 2016, another nest found in 2017, and a third found in September 2018, signalling that establishment in the UK is imminent. The only means of halting the spread, or limiting it, is to find and destroy nests as soon as possible. There is thus an urgent need to develop a method to locate nests efficiently for management of this pest. In a ground-breaking pilot project (funded by Defra) we have radio-tracked individual AH flying back to their (previously un-discovered) nests. Our first aim is to test the range of use of radiotelemetry, and combine it with a new acoustic monitor giving early warning of AH attacks at bee hives. We will design a protocol using these technologies to reduce the speed of AH invasion (Objective 1). Our second aim is to measure the potential impact of AH as a pest of managed and wild pollinators in three ways: measuring the impact of AH predating at bee colonies (Objective 2); measure the proportions of different pollinator species in the AH diet using DNA sequencing (Objective 3) and measure whether AH disrupt pollinator networks at flower patches (Objective 4). Work will be carried out in France and the Channel Islands which are at different stages of the invasion timeline. Data on AH foraging and predation rates will be used to forecast the likely impact of these predators on managed and wild pollinators in the UK, and estimate impacts on crop pollination (Objective 5) using our models of bee colony and population dynamics, BEEHAVE and bumbleBEEHAVE.
It is essential that this research takes place as soon as possible: the best opportunity to slow a UK invasion is during the next few years. EU governments are looking for methods to slow the spread of AH, and beekeepers strongly advocate the need for investment in this work, (see Supporting Letters from Defra, DoE Jersey, and beekeepers). The ~250,000 honeybee hives in the UK are estimated to be worth £150 mill to the economy in honey and pollination provision. The AH could trigger losses of £30-45 mill per year, and our technology to detect nests early could reduce AH economic impact by at least £10-15 mill per year. This will be achieved by sharing our protocol and evidence with policy makers: to help manage the invasion and increase knowledge and skills amongst beekeepers, agencies and pest controllers. These actions, together with raised public awareness, will boost chances of early nest detection at the AH invasion front. The reduction in environmental impact will also be significant, because wild bees are under threat already, so that a further reduction in these communities is likely to affect their vitally important ecological function as pollinators.
The assembled team of researchers at Univ. of Exeter (Osborne, Tyler, Kennedy & Chaput) and partners (French researchers, Defra, Dept of Environment Jersey, the BBKA & Jersey beekeepers) have experience in animal tracking, pollinator science, molecular ecology and practical AH management to succeed in these goals.
An AH nest was first found in UK in September 2016, another nest found in 2017, and a third found in September 2018, signalling that establishment in the UK is imminent. The only means of halting the spread, or limiting it, is to find and destroy nests as soon as possible. There is thus an urgent need to develop a method to locate nests efficiently for management of this pest. In a ground-breaking pilot project (funded by Defra) we have radio-tracked individual AH flying back to their (previously un-discovered) nests. Our first aim is to test the range of use of radiotelemetry, and combine it with a new acoustic monitor giving early warning of AH attacks at bee hives. We will design a protocol using these technologies to reduce the speed of AH invasion (Objective 1). Our second aim is to measure the potential impact of AH as a pest of managed and wild pollinators in three ways: measuring the impact of AH predating at bee colonies (Objective 2); measure the proportions of different pollinator species in the AH diet using DNA sequencing (Objective 3) and measure whether AH disrupt pollinator networks at flower patches (Objective 4). Work will be carried out in France and the Channel Islands which are at different stages of the invasion timeline. Data on AH foraging and predation rates will be used to forecast the likely impact of these predators on managed and wild pollinators in the UK, and estimate impacts on crop pollination (Objective 5) using our models of bee colony and population dynamics, BEEHAVE and bumbleBEEHAVE.
It is essential that this research takes place as soon as possible: the best opportunity to slow a UK invasion is during the next few years. EU governments are looking for methods to slow the spread of AH, and beekeepers strongly advocate the need for investment in this work, (see Supporting Letters from Defra, DoE Jersey, and beekeepers). The ~250,000 honeybee hives in the UK are estimated to be worth £150 mill to the economy in honey and pollination provision. The AH could trigger losses of £30-45 mill per year, and our technology to detect nests early could reduce AH economic impact by at least £10-15 mill per year. This will be achieved by sharing our protocol and evidence with policy makers: to help manage the invasion and increase knowledge and skills amongst beekeepers, agencies and pest controllers. These actions, together with raised public awareness, will boost chances of early nest detection at the AH invasion front. The reduction in environmental impact will also be significant, because wild bees are under threat already, so that a further reduction in these communities is likely to affect their vitally important ecological function as pollinators.
The assembled team of researchers at Univ. of Exeter (Osborne, Tyler, Kennedy & Chaput) and partners (French researchers, Defra, Dept of Environment Jersey, the BBKA & Jersey beekeepers) have experience in animal tracking, pollinator science, molecular ecology and practical AH management to succeed in these goals.
Technical Summary
Field work will take place in France and Channel Islands, hosted by partners with whom we have already worked. If AH is detected in the UK during the project, then field work can be adjusted to work with Defra.
Objective 1: Use new technology to find AH nests in the field: First, test our new nest-finding method of radio-tracking individual AH to explore the range of use. Then test a new acoustic early warning device, the Arnia Hornet Monitor, to signal when AH is attacking a bee hive. Outputs will be a new protocol to reduce AH spread in Europe, samples for diet identification (Obj 3), and stakeholders trained in AH identification and finding of nests.
Objective 2: Measure the impact of predating AH on honeybee and bumblebee colonies using video and remote scales at sites in France with a gradient of AH predating activity. We will record AH foraging behaviour and subsequent effects on bee colony foraging, colony growth and survival.
Objective 3: Examine AH diet to predict the effects of AH invasion on pollinator communities using next-generation sequencing to provide a complete analysis of the AH diet from returning worker food pellets, adults and brood taken from nests found in Obj 1.
Objective 4: Test whether pollinator visitation patterns to flower patches are disrupted by predating AH by observing forage patches with a gradient of AH activity, and testing its effect on the abundance, diversity and network metrics of flower visitors to those forage patches.
Objective 5: Simulate the effect of AH invasion on bee colony survival, population dynamics and crop pollination using the BEEHAVE and bumbleBEEHAVE systems models, which include a predation process in the code. Use data from Obj 1-4 on AH foraging choices and impact to run scenarios of the likely effects of the AH pest on honeybee colony survival and bumblebee populations over years. Results will also show impact on crop visitation in modelled landscapes, giving an indication of pollination effects.
Objective 1: Use new technology to find AH nests in the field: First, test our new nest-finding method of radio-tracking individual AH to explore the range of use. Then test a new acoustic early warning device, the Arnia Hornet Monitor, to signal when AH is attacking a bee hive. Outputs will be a new protocol to reduce AH spread in Europe, samples for diet identification (Obj 3), and stakeholders trained in AH identification and finding of nests.
Objective 2: Measure the impact of predating AH on honeybee and bumblebee colonies using video and remote scales at sites in France with a gradient of AH predating activity. We will record AH foraging behaviour and subsequent effects on bee colony foraging, colony growth and survival.
Objective 3: Examine AH diet to predict the effects of AH invasion on pollinator communities using next-generation sequencing to provide a complete analysis of the AH diet from returning worker food pellets, adults and brood taken from nests found in Obj 1.
Objective 4: Test whether pollinator visitation patterns to flower patches are disrupted by predating AH by observing forage patches with a gradient of AH activity, and testing its effect on the abundance, diversity and network metrics of flower visitors to those forage patches.
Objective 5: Simulate the effect of AH invasion on bee colony survival, population dynamics and crop pollination using the BEEHAVE and bumbleBEEHAVE systems models, which include a predation process in the code. Use data from Obj 1-4 on AH foraging choices and impact to run scenarios of the likely effects of the AH pest on honeybee colony survival and bumblebee populations over years. Results will also show impact on crop visitation in modelled landscapes, giving an indication of pollination effects.
Planned Impact
The project will be deemed successful if the following practical outcomes are achieved:
- Our nest detection protocol is used on the front line of AH invasion in Europe by practitioners and professionals.
- EU governments tackling the spread of this pest use our evidence and predictions to shape policy on AH management, and it is added to the National Pollinator Strategy in the UK.
- Beekeepers, bee farmers and the general public have an increased awareness of AH.
The above outcomes lead to an overarching ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT of slowing the spread of AH in the UK, and lower subsequent mortality of honeybee hives and wild pollinators. This will also have an ECONOMIC IMPACT because it will lead to cost savings compared to the unchecked spread of the hornet, in terms of honeybee colony management costs, beekeeping profits, farmers depending on insect pollinators, and also the overall long term costs of managing an invasive species. Because of the technology we are promoting it would also result in profit enhancement for the small UK companies (Biotrack and Arnia) selling radio-telemetry and early warning monitors for use in AH management.
WHO WILL BENEFIT and HOW?
Beekeepers and Bee farmers: This group stand to benefit most immediately from the finding and destruction of AH nests in the vicinity of their apiaries. AH could have a larger impact on reducing colony numbers and honey yields than the impact of the Varroa mite in the 1990s. Using similar methods to those used to estimate Varroa impact, our calculations suggest that if our protocol and evidence results in reducing AH nest density even by 30%, then this could save £10-15 million per year in lost profits. We already work with a large group of volunteer beekeepers (South West UK beekeepers, the BBKA, and the beekeepers on Jersey) who will be involved, and we will run training workshops to demonstrate how to detect and find AH nests so that we build a trained and engaged community, who will be at the front-line of AH detection.
National Bee Inspectors, Defra and Policy Makers: who are developing regulatory policy on bee health, pest and disease management. They need a route map to make decisions about how to manage the AH invasion, and the costs associated - our empirical evidence and new tools will support this crucial work. They are also implementing the National Pollinator Strategy which should include responses to AH distributional changes. As has been seen in France, the long term management costs of an invasive species can quickly exceed eradication costs in the early stages of invasion. So methods that can promote early eradication, or even confinement into small areas, will result in significant economic (and ecological) pay off.
Society: There is wide and impressive support from the public for bee-friendly initiatives and policies, and individuals are taking responsibility to improve pollinator populations. The results of our project will lead to greater awareness of AH and possibly earlier detection. It will inform discussion around invasive species, and we will run a Creative Exchange Project, working with a film-maker to create a short video for a public road show across Southern England (where AH incursions have already been made) on 'Bees vs Hornets; Who Decides?', to provoke thinking about the complexity, costs and benefits of managing invasive alien pests effectively.
Whilst it is not yet feasible to accurately measure AH population density, and the longer term ENVIRONMENTAL and ECONOMIC impacts of curtailing the establishment of AH in the UK are not measurable within the lifetime of the project, our tracking technology and evidence base will provide a toolkit to support the protection of wild and managed bees, and consequently pollination, by enabling good decision-making in relation to management of this invasive pest species.
- Our nest detection protocol is used on the front line of AH invasion in Europe by practitioners and professionals.
- EU governments tackling the spread of this pest use our evidence and predictions to shape policy on AH management, and it is added to the National Pollinator Strategy in the UK.
- Beekeepers, bee farmers and the general public have an increased awareness of AH.
The above outcomes lead to an overarching ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT of slowing the spread of AH in the UK, and lower subsequent mortality of honeybee hives and wild pollinators. This will also have an ECONOMIC IMPACT because it will lead to cost savings compared to the unchecked spread of the hornet, in terms of honeybee colony management costs, beekeeping profits, farmers depending on insect pollinators, and also the overall long term costs of managing an invasive species. Because of the technology we are promoting it would also result in profit enhancement for the small UK companies (Biotrack and Arnia) selling radio-telemetry and early warning monitors for use in AH management.
WHO WILL BENEFIT and HOW?
Beekeepers and Bee farmers: This group stand to benefit most immediately from the finding and destruction of AH nests in the vicinity of their apiaries. AH could have a larger impact on reducing colony numbers and honey yields than the impact of the Varroa mite in the 1990s. Using similar methods to those used to estimate Varroa impact, our calculations suggest that if our protocol and evidence results in reducing AH nest density even by 30%, then this could save £10-15 million per year in lost profits. We already work with a large group of volunteer beekeepers (South West UK beekeepers, the BBKA, and the beekeepers on Jersey) who will be involved, and we will run training workshops to demonstrate how to detect and find AH nests so that we build a trained and engaged community, who will be at the front-line of AH detection.
National Bee Inspectors, Defra and Policy Makers: who are developing regulatory policy on bee health, pest and disease management. They need a route map to make decisions about how to manage the AH invasion, and the costs associated - our empirical evidence and new tools will support this crucial work. They are also implementing the National Pollinator Strategy which should include responses to AH distributional changes. As has been seen in France, the long term management costs of an invasive species can quickly exceed eradication costs in the early stages of invasion. So methods that can promote early eradication, or even confinement into small areas, will result in significant economic (and ecological) pay off.
Society: There is wide and impressive support from the public for bee-friendly initiatives and policies, and individuals are taking responsibility to improve pollinator populations. The results of our project will lead to greater awareness of AH and possibly earlier detection. It will inform discussion around invasive species, and we will run a Creative Exchange Project, working with a film-maker to create a short video for a public road show across Southern England (where AH incursions have already been made) on 'Bees vs Hornets; Who Decides?', to provoke thinking about the complexity, costs and benefits of managing invasive alien pests effectively.
Whilst it is not yet feasible to accurately measure AH population density, and the longer term ENVIRONMENTAL and ECONOMIC impacts of curtailing the establishment of AH in the UK are not measurable within the lifetime of the project, our tracking technology and evidence base will provide a toolkit to support the protection of wild and managed bees, and consequently pollination, by enabling good decision-making in relation to management of this invasive pest species.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Lead Research Organisation)
- Natural Environment Research Council (Co-funder)
- INRA Bordeaux-Aquitaine (Collaboration)
- University of Vigo (Collaboration)
- British Beekeepers Association (Project Partner)
- University of La Rochelle (Project Partner)
- INRA (Project Partner)
- States of Jersey (Project Partner)
- Jersey Beekeepers' Association (Project Partner)
Publications
Kennedy P J
(2023)
A guide to radio-tracking Asian hornets to locate their nests
O'Shea-Wheller T A
(2024)
VespAI: a deep learning-based system for the detection of invasive hornets
in Communications Biology
O'Shea-Wheller TA
(2024)
VespAI: a deep learning-based system for the detection of invasive hornets.
in Communications biology
O'Shea-Wheller TA
(2023)
Quantifying the impact of an invasive Hornet on Bombus terrestris Colonies.
in Communications biology
Poidatz J
(2023)
Density of predating Asian hornets at hives disturbs the 3D flight performance of honey bees and decreases predation success.
in Ecology and evolution
Rojas-Nossa S
(2023)
Predator and pollinator? An invasive hornet alters the pollination dynamics of a native plant
in Basic and Applied Ecology
Description | 2020 was the first year of this research project and our field work programme was heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We were able to carry out some minimal fieldwork in Jersey and France, collecting samples from 45 asian hornet nests which will be processed in 2021 to determine what insects the hornets have been foraging on. In 2021 we worked in collaboration with the University of Vigo to 1) assess how asian hornets affect the pollinator community visiting ivy flowers 2) collect samples from 55 more asian hornet nests to sequence the larvae for dietary information 3) run a large experiment to understand whether asian hornets forage at bumblebee colonies. In 2022 we have analysed all the associated data and written papers. We have shed light on the potential impact of asian hornets on wild pollinators: a) asian hornets hawking at ivy flowers disrupt and change other pollinator flower visiting behaviour and subsequent seed set (Rojas-Nossa et al, 2023); a b) asian hornets will forage for bumblebees at the entrance to bumblebee colonies - although successful predation of the bumblebees is limited; there are some indirect effects on bumblebee colony survival (O'Shea-Wheller et al, 2023). c) Further information on the asian hornet diet will broaden this picture as we have analysed the sequencing data from over 2000 asian hornet larval guts from nests in Jersey, France and Spain. The results are currently being written up (Pedersen et al, in prep). An additional key finding is the development of an accurate Vespa velutina remote monitoring system using Artificial Intelligence: VespAI. We have a prototype for field use which will accurately detect the presence of an asian hornet, send an alert to the user and thus enable swift and effective management of this invasive species as it spreads across Europe (O'Shea-Wheller et al, in press). This device is currently being further developed and Mark II will be tested in 2024. |
Exploitation Route | We expect the remote V.velutina monitor to be taken forward by governments, beekeepers and other stakeholder groups in the management strategy for this invasive species. WE have received a BBSRC Follow-On-Fund grant to further develop the monitor, test it fully in the field and prepare it for retail. WE have also had considerable influence on governments and authorities across Europe using our techniques and evidence to improve their strategy for controlling this hornet |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment |
Description | This award is already having an impact in terms of raising awareness about Asian Hornets amongst beekeepers and the public, to ensure anyone who sees an Asian hornet in the UK or in Jersey knows how to report it. During 2020 & 2021 we were able to train researchers and government officials in Jersey, France, Spain and Portugal in the use of radio-telemetry to track asian hornets back to their nests. This technique is now being used in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and a similar approach is being used to tackle the giant asian hornet in Washington state, USA We have had considerable press coverage of the papers showing impacts of the hornet on wild pollinators. Our VespAI monitor for detecting asian hornets has also been awarded a Follow-On-Fund grant so that we can turn the prototype into a marketable and cheap device for use by agencies, beekeepers and other practitioners to ensure the hornet is detected as soon as possible at the leading edge of the invasion. |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Environment |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | P Kennedy invited to advise Defra Bee Health Policy Team, Bristol UK - on latest developments in detecting Asian hornets |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Uptake of Kennedy et al 2018 radio telemetry method for finding asian hornet nests: Germany, Jersey, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, UK and USA starting from |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Finding asian hornet nests reduces the likely establishment and speed of spread of this invasive species. This has been done in several countries in Europee.g. Germany - Schütte, Wieckhorst & Langguth (2021) Anwendun der Radiotelemetrie zum Aufspüren der Nester der Asiatischen Hornisse (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) in Hamburg Natur und Landschaft 96(3), 159-160. And acknowledged in https://youtu.be/y1h2p480MVo?si=gFuh8y2sXJXUB5Gu Belgium: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/kijk/2023/04/12/aziatische-hoornaar-vangen-met-zendertjes-arvato-56693744/?fbclid=IwAR2Y70tDRpahhOk5ET7sNGsPXsnOH1aX0He6HkkOCKr_0E4ozbjLF8eRpUM Jersey: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/19/jersey-hornet-hunters-guarding-against-invasion-uk-aoe We also assisted US scientists in techniques to find the invasive Vespa madarinia e.g. as acknowledged in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EscUpuhr3oo Also see: https://www.facebook.com/groups/474218836579263/permalink/1005420816792393/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/474218836579263/permalink/1016625212338620/ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/buzztrayal-wired-hornet-leads-exterminators-to-nest-p5b2f6vqq https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/09/09/eerste-2-nesten-van-hoornaars-gevonden-dankzij-mini-zendertje-ro/ |
URL | https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2021/03/24/traps-to-be-laid-for-asian-hornets/ |
Description | Prey spectrum of asian hornets |
Amount | £20,206 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Beekeepers Association |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2020 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | Rapid Radio Tracking support project to locate hard to find Asian hornet nests before dispersal of mated queens |
Amount | £5,512 (GBP) |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 10/2023 |
Description | VespAI - an alert system for invasive Asian hornets based on artificial intelligence |
Amount | £249,531 (GBP) |
Funding ID | UKRI002 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2023 |
End | 10/2024 |
Description | Asian Hornet project: INRA partnership |
Organisation | INRA Bordeaux-Aquitaine |
Country | France |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We designed field experiments to be carried out in Bordeaux on asian hornets, and trained members of INRA research team in radio-telemetry to track hornets |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Denis Thiery, INRA, hosted research visit by postdoc, Dr Juliette Poidatz to carry out experiments in Summer 2020. Contributed to discussions on experiments. |
Impact | Publishing papers with J Poidatz |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Asian Hornet project: Univ Vigo partnership |
Organisation | University of Vigo |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaboration with Dr Sandra Rojas Nossa, University of Vigo, Spain |
Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of data and ideas on researching the effects of asian hornets on wild pollinators. Also colloborator on Atlantic Positive Interreg Project. |
Impact | No outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Title | VespAI - an alert system to detect Vespa velutina, an invasive hornet |
Description | A device prototype using a bait station to attract asian horents, and a model based on artificial intelligence trained to identify Vespa velutina with high precision and recall. This can be used to detect the hornet at the leading edge of its invasion range. The device has been trialled in the field and is undergoing further development. We have published the research and model in Comms Biology - to be released in March 2024. |
Type Of Technology | Detection Devices |
Year Produced | 2024 |
Impact | The development led to the successful award of a BBSRC Follow-On-Fund grant to further develop the device to a point where it can be marketed and used in surveillance strategy for this invasive and fast spreading species. |
Description | "Asian hornet research in 2020" presentation provided Peter Kennedy at the BBKA National Asian hornet conference, Warwick; 8 February 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy presented an invited talk entitled "Asian hornet research in 2020" at the British Beekeeping Association (BBKA) National Asian hornet conference in Warwick on 8 February 2020. The event was attended by beekeepers, Asian Hornet Action Team members, general public, researchers and public authorities, as well as representatives of beekeeping press. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/first-asian-hornet-conference-held |
Description | "Current research on Asian hornets, Vespa velutina nigrithorax" presented by Peter Kennedy at the South-West Beekeepers Forum (SWBKF) Asian Hornet Action Team (AHAT) training day, Bridgwater, Somerset; 25 January 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | A presentation on "Current research on Asian hornets, Vespa velutina nigrithorax" was presented by Peter Kennedy to an audience of approx 200 participants during a South-West Beekeepers Forum (and affiliated beekeeping associations) training day targeted at Asian Hornet Action Teams (AHATs) based primarily, but not exclusively, in the south-west of England. The presentation was also an opportunity to introduce Juliette Poidatz to this relevant stakeholder group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.ahat.org.uk/article/south-west-asian-hornet-convention-and-training-day |
Description | "Introducing Asian hornets (Vespa velutina)" presented by Peter Kennedy to participants in the MSc course on Island Biodiversity and Conservation (Invasive species module), Jersey, 28 February 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | As part of the invasive species module of the JICAS MSc course on Island Biodiversity and Conservation, Peter Kennedy presented an introduction to Asian hornets, recent accidental introductions, invasive spread in Asia and Europe, the latter encompassing Jersey, and important aspects of biology, impact and potential control. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | "Introducing the Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax" presented to MSc students as a case study within the postgraduate course on Island Biodiversity and Conservation; 16 December 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | A lecture on the Asian hornet was presented by Peter Kennedy to postgraduate students attending the Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies & University of Exeter joint MSc course on "Island Biodiversity and Conservation. The lecture was presented as a case study within the Invasions and Extinctions of Islands module within the course. Students attending this course come from an international geographic distribution. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.jicas.ac.je/course-overview |
Description | "Invasive Asian hornets: Measures to contain them, with a focus on finding their nests" presented by Peter Kennedy to the New Forest & Dorset BKA via Zoom platform; 16 July 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy presented an invited virtual talk entitled "Invasive Asian hornets: Measures to contain them, with a focus on finding their nests" to members of the New Forest & Dorset Beekeepers Association via Zoom. Members include both hobbyist and professional beekeepers, but will have included some members of the general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | "Social Hymenoptera - Queens of invasions" presented by Juliette Poidatz to participants in the MSc course on Island Biodiversity and Conservation (Invasive species module), Jersey; 28 February 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | As part of the Invasive species module on the JICAS MSc course on Island Biodiversity and Conservation, Juliette Poidatz presented an introduction to social Hymenoptera, why they are such successful invasive species and provide a threat to biodiversity, environmental services, socio-economics and human health. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | "Tracking Asian hornets" virtual presentation to Hampshire BKA via Zoom; 16 February 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was invited to give a virtual presentation on "Tracking Asian hornets" to members of the Hampshire Beekeepers Association via the Zoom platform. Approx. 130 members participated in the presentation. The talk emphasized the importance of beekeepers and the general public reporting sightings of the Asian hornet to enable the UK rapid response (potentially utilizing tools developed within this research project) to be enacted. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | http://hampshirebeekeepers.org.uk/event/hba-zoom-talk-by-dr-peter-kennedy/ |
Description | "Tracking, training and the latest research" presented virtually by Peter Kennedy at the BBKA Asian Hornet Conference; 6 March 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was invited to provide a virtual presentation entitled "Tracking, training and the latest research" at the British Beekeepers Association Asian hornet conference via the Zoom platform. The talk formed one of seven talks presented to mainly members of the volunteer Asian Hornet Teams (AHTs) but also to beekeepers and interested members of the general public. Peter Kennedy formed part of the expert panel addressing questions and discussing concerns over the spread of this invasive non-native species. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.bbka.org.uk/Event/asian-hornet-conference-2021?fbclid=IwAR0d1TD1nGfUOR749rR5sEh0EnnoGrO8... |
Description | Agile Rabbit Event, Falmouth - Hornet Walk and Talk - by T O'Shea-Wheller |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | To raise awareness of the invasive hornet; educational |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Asian hornet radio-telemetry online training workshop for members of ITSAP, ADAPI and MNHN (France); 29 September 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | As a training event/workshop planned to take place in France had to be cancelled due to an escalating SARS-Cov-2 situation there, this was re-arranged as an online training event using training materials (including video footage) developed by Peter Kennedy. Representatives from the Institut Technique et Scientifique de l'Apiculture et la Pollinisation (ITSAP), Association pour le Developpement de l'Apiculture Provencale (ADAPI) and the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle participated in the event. A successful outcome of the event is that participants successfully using the radio-telemetry tracking method to locate Asian hornet nests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Asian hornet radio-tracking training day/workshop provided to representatives of the SoJ Dept Environ & JAHG, Jersey; 26 August 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | At the request of the States of Jersey Department of Environment, Peter Kennedy provided a training day/workshop, including practical demonstration, for tracking Asian hornets to locate their nests to representatives of the States of Jersey Department of Environment and to volunteers belonging to the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, they key stakeholder groups involved on trying to contain the invasive Asian hornet on the Channel Island of Jersey. The even took place in person but socially distanced, according to local coronavirus restrictions at the time. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2020/09/02/new-recruits-in-fight-against-asian-hornets/ |
Description | BBC Global News Podcast- Bees fighting back against Asian hornet. Oct 2023 (T O'Shea-Wheller interviewed) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | To raise awareness of published paper on impact of hornet on bumblebees |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | BBKA Asian hornet conference: "Searching for Asian hornets nests"; Feb 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | To share outcomes of research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Bee Farmers' Association Development Day - Invited talk "Asian hornets: Seven years studying the emerging threat of this invasive predator" by P Kennedy. Feb 2024 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness and share outcomes to improve strategy to tackle invasive hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | British Science Festival, Exeter - Hornet Walk and Talk, Sep 2023 by T O'Shea-Wheller |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | To raise awareness of the asian hornet |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Bumblebee Working Group, Oxford - "Quantifying the Impact of an Invasive Hornet on Bumble Bee Colonies" March 2023 - by T O'Shea-Wheller |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Reporting on study outcomes to mixed audience of researchers and conservationists |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | COLOSS Vespid Task Force meeting, Pisa Italy - Invited Talk "Advances in use of VHF radio-tracking to locate Vespa velutina nests" by P Kennedy, Oct 2023. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness and discuss strategy for containing invasive hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Discussions with CABI Switzerland, commissioned by the Swiss Ministry for the Environment, concerning radio-tracking Asian hornets to locate their nests; from August 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was approached by CABI Switzerland to provide advice on use of radio-telemetry to track Asian hornets to help locate their nests. The detailed advice was well received, and on 16 October 2020 CABI Switzerland reported that they had successfully located three previously hidden nests of the invasive Asian hornet in the city of Geneva and in a small town in the Swiss Jura. CABI Switzerland described the technique as "one of the most cost-effective [methods] to find Asian hornet nests" and will propose it to the Swiss Ministry of the Environment as a recommended method in dealing with the spread of the Asian hornet in subsequent years. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.cabi.org/projects/fighting-the-yellow-legged-asian-hornet-in-switzerland/ |
Description | Discussions with WSDA about using radio-telemetry to locate Asian Giant Hornet nests in USA; from May 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy engaged with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and British Columbia Invasives after reports of Asian Giant Hornets (AGH) having potentially invaded & established in the Pacific Northwest. WSDA were aware of University of Exeter's radio-telemetry method to locate hornets but were initially advised that the signal would be blocked when a tagged hornet entered an underground nest. Peter Kennedy demonstrated that, although reduced, in most cases the signal is not lost when underground, still permitting a nest to be located. WSDA initially explored a bluetooth tracking device, being developed by University of Washington, but after hornets dispersed beyond the range of the equipment, WSDA decided to switch to radio-telemetry. Peter Kennedy shared a training manual and videos he has been developing with WSDA in October. On 22 October, WSDA reported successfully finding an AGH nest using radio-telemetry and aim to use the technique to find further nests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=31875 |
Description | Essex Beekeepers Association Annual Conference: "Asian hornets and their environmental impact" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | To raise awareness of issues and research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Expert panel discussion and Q&A at the end of the BBKA National Asian hornet conference, Warwick; 8 February 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Expert panel discussion and Q&A with Peter Kennedy, as well as Prof Stephen Martin (Univ Salford), Dr Xesus Feas (Galicia, Spain), Bob Hogge (Jersey Asian Hornet Group), Alastair Christie (States of Jersey), Dr Belinda Phillipson (Defra Policy) and Sandra Gray (APHA), at the end of the British Beekeeping Association's National Asian hornet conference, Warwick, on 8 February 2020. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/first-asian-hornet-conference-held |
Description | Expert panel discussion and Q&A with key members involved in management/control activities for the Asian hornet on Jersey at end of JICAS MSc Island Biodiversity and Conservation, Invasive species module, 28 February 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy arranged an expert panel to debate Jersey's Asian hornet strategy with postgraduate students attending JICAS' MSc in Island Biodiversity and Conservation. Amongst the audience was the Deputy Minister for Environment (States of Jersey), Dr Lee Durrell (Jersey Zoo), Dr Keith Bensusan (Gibraltar Botanic Gardens) and various JICAS members of staff. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Expert panel discussions and Q&A at the end of SWBKF AHAT training day, Bridgwater, Somerset; 25 January 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Expert panel discussion and Q&A involving Dr Peter Kennedy, was well as Dr Sarah Bunker (author / AHAT member), Alastair Christie (States of Jersey), Simon O'Sullivan (AHAT member), at the end of the SWBKF AHAT training day. The expert panel discussed issues and answered questions raised by the approx 200 participants of the training day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Forum Vespa velutina Lisboa: "Vespa velutina in GB"; online presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness of research as part of Interreg Atlantic Positive international collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.iniav.pt/forum-vespa-velutina |
Description | Guardian podcast - interviewed "Will our bees survive the Asian hornet invasion? Sep 2023 J Osborne interviewed |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness of potential impact of invasive hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2023/sep/19/will-our-bees-survive-the-asian-hornet-invasio... |
Description | Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper article on use of P Kennedy;s radio-telemetry to track asian hornets in Hamburg, to find nests |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article on "Biologie vs Hornisse: Verfolgungsjagd durch Hamburg" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article232116845/kai-schuette-befindet-sich-auf-hornissen-jagd-dur... |
Description | Interactions with Hamburg BUKEA in regard to using radio-telemetry to tracking Asian hornets; from 4 August 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussions with the University of Hamburg and the Behörde für Umwelt, Klima, Energie und Agrarwirtschaft Amt für Naturschutz (BUKEA), Hamburg, were initiated in August 2020 after Peter Kennedy alerted them about the radio-telemetry method to locate Asian hornet nests (this after the most northerly Asian hornets in Europe had been confirmed in Hamburg). Peter Kennedy shared details and training material with them. BUKEA confirmed on 29 September that the technique had enabled them to locate two nests already and were continuing to search for others. An Asian hornet conference was held (virtually) in Germany on 21 October at which Kai Schutte & Oliver Wieckhorst from the University of Hamburg presented on their success of finding a total four nests with radio-telemetry and gave credit to Peter Kennedy and the University of Exeter developed method. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.hamburg.de/asiatische-hornisse/14325746/asiatische-hornisse/ |
Description | International Congress on Sustainable Honey Beekeeping, Dresden, Germany, (organised by German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) - Invited talk "Do UK efforts to prevent establishment and understand impacts of Vespa velutina offer insights for elsewhere in Europe?" by P Kennedy. Oct 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Shared information on UK strategy for managing invasive hornets with German policy makers, agencies and practitioners |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Interview & Article in BBC Future - The bees learning to fight off invasive hornets - Feb 2024 (T O'Shea-Wheller interviewed) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Desemination of knowledge on hornet predation on bumblebees |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240206-the-bees-learning-to-fight-off-invasive-hornets |
Description | Interview & Article in The Guardian - Buff-tailed bumblebees drop from air 'like bricks' to repel hornet attacks. Oct 2023 (T O'Shea-Wheller interviewed) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness of impacts of invasive horent. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/05/buff-tailed-bumblebees-drop-from-air-like-bricks... |
Description | Interview & article in The Telegraph - 3. Bumblebees 'stop, drop and roll' to fend off Asian hornet attacks. Oct 2023. T O'Shea-Wheller interviewed |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness of the impact of invasive hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/10/05/bumblebees-stop-drop-and-roll-to-fend-off-asian-hornets/ |
Description | Interview by Capital Press that led to the online article "Pioneering research in the UK may help Washington state keep Asian giant hornets from colonizing the U.S."; 16 July 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was interviewed by Capital Press, a weekly agriculture newspaper covering the west coast of USA, after increasing concern about the establishment of Asian giant hornets in Washington State, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. The interview focused on University of Exeter's development of radio-telemetry of tracking individual hornets and thereby reveal previously hidden nests; the same approach would be anticipated to work (potentially more easily) with Asian giant hornets. Chris Looney from Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed that the approach was "on the table" and "shown to have value in Europe". |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.capitalpress.com%2Fag_sectors%... |
Description | Interview of Peter Kennedy by Slate Magazine on "How do you track a murder hornet?"; 28 October 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was interviewed by Slate Magazine, an online magazine based in the United States, following Washington State Department of Agriculture successfully tracking a tagged-hornet to locate the first Asian Giant Hornet nest in Washington State by using radio-telemetry. The interview centered on how the technique was developed and is put into practice. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://slate.com/technology/2020/10/asian-giant-murder-hornet-washington-tracking-science.html?via=... |
Description | Interview of Peter Kennedy by Surrey Live in reaction to Asian hornet awareness campaign initiated by Devon AHT; 25 August 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy was interviewed to provide his expert opinion in response to an Asian hornet awareness campaign initiated by the Devon Asian Hornet Team (AHT, aka Asian Hornet Action Team). The interview focused on the potential impact that Asian hornets could have on the UK's native invertebrate fauna, should they establish here. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/record-number-asian-hornets-invade-18824381?fbclid=Iw... |
Description | Interview with Alastair Christie, SoJ Asian Hornet coordinator, referring to their use of radio-telemetry to locate nests; 25 August 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Alastair Christie, States of Jersey Asian hornet coordinator, was interviewed by Channel 103 (an independent local radio station with an online presence) about the local team finding an abundance of well-hidden nests across the Channel Island of Jersey. The article also refers using radio-telemetry to locate nests and the local team finding this an effective technique in their armoury of methods to manage this invasive non-native species. States of Jersey and the Jersey Asian Hornet Group had previously received training from Peter Kennedy in this radio-telemetry technique to locate nests. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.channel103.com/news/jersey-news/stung-hornet-hunter-urges-caution/?fbclid=IwAR0Ht7vp242Y... |
Description | Introduction to Asian hornet radio-telemetry workshop, delivered by Peter Kennedy & Juliette Poidatz to 15+ participants, during the SWBKF AHAT training day, Bridgwater, Somerset; 25 January 2020. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | A workshop introducing selected members of Asian Hornet Action Teams (AHATs) to radio-telemetry equipment, how radio-tags are fitted to selected hornets and how such tagged hornets are followed to reveal their parental nests. The workshop was led by Peter Kennedy and Juliette Poidatz. Participants in this workshop had to pre-book to attend. Places were initially limited to 10 but, due to popular demand, was extended to incorporate others. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.devonbeekeepers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SWBKF-AHAT-Day-2020.pdf |
Description | Jersey Evening Post article on Jersey Asian Hornet Group receiving training in tracking hornets by radio-telemetry. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The Jersey Evening Post article captures the general training in radio-telemetry provided by Durrell (Jersey Zoo) to 7 volunteers amongst the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, after the training provided by University of Exeter to Alastair Christie, Jersey Asian Hornet Coordinator, in October 2019. Alastair Christie is quoted saying "I've seen the radio tracking work really well so far. Last year we suffered from a lack of [our] equipment, but this year we have everything we need and I'm confident it will work well". |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2020/01/16/could-your-property-contain-a-hibernating-asian-hornet... |
Description | Jersey Evening Post: Media coverage of P Kennedy providing training in radio-tracking horenes to Jersey state and volunteers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | News article in Jersey Evening Post on "Traps to be laid for Asian Hornets" featuring radiotracking. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2021/03/24/traps-to-be-laid-for-asian-hornets/ |
Description | Khelland Trust's Apple Day, Camborne, UK - outreach event to raise awareness of asian hornets. P Kennedy attended |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Outreach stand to educate and raise awareness of asian hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Pan-European Asian hornet discussions . P Kennedy one of ~25 invited stakeholders, policy makers & experts from UK, Channel Islands, Belgium, Netherlands & Germany dealing with containing the spread of Asian hornets in Europe |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | To build and connect strategies for containment of V velutina across Europe |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023,2024 |
Description | Penryn College Year 11 Talk: "Vespa velutina in Europe: Its Invasive Spread and Identification" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | To inform and engage students |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Presentation MSc Apprenticeship programme at The Eden Project: The Invasive hornet Vespa velutina in Europe, Current Research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Attended by students on MSc Apprenticeship programme |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Public event, The Poly, Falmouth - "The Invasive Hornet Vespa velutina: Why the concern, and what can be done? " Sep 2023 - by T O'Shea-Wheller |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Evening event to raise awareness |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Public talk at the Bristol Botanic Garden Bee and Pollination Festival: An Update on the Spread of Vespa velutina in Europe: Current Research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk at the festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Somerset Beekeepers Association AGM: "Asian hornets - an update on current research and spread in Europe" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | To raise awareness amongst beekeepers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | South-West Beekeepers Forum's Asian hornet conference, Bridgwater, UK - Invited talk "Asian hornets: Seven years studying the emerging threat of this invasive predator" by P Kennedy. Jan 2024 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Raise awareness and outcomes of research to improve strategy to manage spread of asian hornets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | The Times article - "Asian hornet invasion 2023 is a key year for stopping their spread." Sep 2023 P Kennedy interviewed |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Raising awareness and educating on the threat of the invasive hornet |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/asian-hornet-invasion-2023-is-a-key-year-for-stopping-their-sprea... |
Description | Virtual presentation at BBKA Asian hornet conference, P Kennedy 6/3/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Talk by P Kennedy entitled "Current & Ongoing University of Exeter Asian hornet research" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYJwjNPnVRg&t=902s |
Description | Virtual presentation at the EU Interreg Atlantic Positive International Open Congress, Efforts against the spread Vespa velutina in the European Atlantic Area (Vigo University, Spain) 17/11/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | J Poidatz gave presentation entitled "From the nest biology to the biocontrol of Vespa velutina" to this international congress of researchers, policy makers and professional practitioners |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Virtual presentation to the BBKA Annual Convention, P Kennedy, 18/04/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Talk given by P Kennedy entitled "Asian hornets: a brief overview and new insights" at the BBKA's largest annual event |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Virtual presentation to the BBKA Asian Hornet week, P Kennedy 6/9/21 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | P Kennedy gave a talk entitled "The Asian horent - a threat to insect biodiversity in Europe?. This was followed by a larger Q&A session with T O'Shea-Wheller and Sandr Rojas (Vigo) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5soCtcG-56E&t=2s |
Description | Virtual talk at '1er séminaire scientifique et technique du réseau - Lutter contre le frelon asiatique"; France. J Poidatz, 8/11/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | J Poidatz gave presentation on "Tracking et rayon d'action des colonies de frelons asiatiques." to beekeepers and professional practitioners in France |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Virtual webinar to Hampshire Beekeepers Assocation, P Kennedy, 16/02/2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Entitled "Tracking Asian Hornets" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Virtual/online presentation updating members of SWBKF regarding University of Exeter's Asian hornet research; 1 December 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Peter Kennedy provided a presentation to representatives of the South-West Beekeepers associations Forum (SWBKF) about progress being made with University of Exeter's Asian hornet research. The Forum has been supported of our ongoing research, both by promoting the work with the British Beekeepers Association but also by sharing information about the research to their wider membership. The SWBKF represents the various Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Avon, Wiltshire, Hampshire county beekeeping associations as well as Jersey Beekeepers Association. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |