NATIVES: Saving Scotland's Original Honey Bees

I am thrilled to announce the release of the new documentary, “Natives”! This project that I’ve been working on for three years, delves into the world of Scotland's native honey bees and highlights the efforts of a dedicated group of conservationists and scientists working to ensure their future survival, both on their reserve on the island of Colonsay and elsewhere in Scotland. Scotland is home to Apis mellifera mellifera - a resilient subspecies of honey bee, known for its hardiness and ability to cope with wet and often harsh winters, poor springs and unsettled summer weather typical of the western Atlantic seaboard. However, in recent decades, native bees have faced numerous threats, including mass importations of non-native strains of bees, intensified by the global trade and commercial beekeeping. Importations of honey bees are frequently of unsuitable types more used to other climes and often, when the inevitable cross-matings occur, leads to a deterioration in the behaviour of honey bees locally. “Natives” sheds light on these challenges and the remarkable individuals committed to addressing them. How You Can Help Here are a few ways you can get involved: Local Bees, Local Honey: Either an aspiring beekeeper or honey lover - purchase bees and honey from the local beekeepers who practice sustainable methods. Consider supporting the work of the Scottish Native Honey Bee Society (SNHBS.scot), collaborators in the creation of this film. Create Bee-Friendly Habitats: Plant native flowers and avoid using pesticides in your garden. Educate Others: Share this documentary with friends and family to spread awareness about the importance of native honey bees. Watch “Natives” now on YouTube and be part of the movement to safeguard our natural heritage.