Sedum with some of our honey bees.

Fingers crossed that they stay alive and well for you ... :o)

Thats so sad. I hope they recover and prove him over pessimistic. I always buy local honey wherever I see it available. You can't beat blossom or heather honey :)

Oh dear, I hope he's wrong. Must admit I've not seen half as many bees or butterflies around this year, I think it's just been too cold most of the time.

So true Julia. Our bees came out to play in August, but the poor things have had a dreadful year here. The Bee Keepers have great heart.

I haven't seen many bees this year either Chris, and we have had a good summer....well most of the time !
Perhaps winter may not be so bad and the bees survive !

Oh Chris thats sad lets hope they are just keeping warm and out of sight !

Every year our huge Mrs Popple fuchsia is smothered with honey bees & some bumbles. I haven't noticed any change this year despite the worrying bee declines, so hope your OH is not right.

I am afraid that the situation has got worse and both hives are very depleted. Hornets and wasps are raiding one of the hives and the other hive now has no queen. He fears that the bees have picked up a virus. He will probably have to start all over again in the spring.
It is a shame.

Oh I am sorry! Years ago when I was with MAFF I used to go out with the bee officer checking hives for Foul Brood & AFB I do hope it's not anything like that. :(