Bees more active in winter

18:15 25th November 2009

A wildlife gardener and ecologist who began noting the visitation habits of bumblebees in his garden in 2006 was surprised to find they were often failing to take their traditional winter hibernation period.

Marc Carlton noted that an increasing number of bees were remaining active through the colder months, taking advantage of late-blooming shrubs and trees planted by horticulture enthusiasts, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed.

A study into why this may have occurred is to be conducted by Queen Mary University, the University of London and the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society.

"Many insects appear to be extending their distribution due to the changing climate, but this is one of the first examples of them apparently changing their behaviour," Mr Carlton told the news provider.

Other possible reasons include the introduction of new species and the increasing popularity of wildlife gardening in the UK.

In other news, the RHS has revealed that six of the UK's garden and greenhouse attractions are to benefit from millions of pounds of lottery cash.