Great Yellow Bumblebee Project

23/05/2026

A post from Lydia Thompson who carried out research on the Mullet Peninsula, talking about working with farmers to make small changes in grassland managment that help pollinators

For , Lydia Thompson, a PhD researcher at University College Dublin, shares her latest research in a new blog: 'Giving Grasslands More Time: How Small Farming Changes Can Support Bumblebees'

This blog is part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan's 'Dispatches from Researchers' series, which features guest articles written by experts in pollination and related fields.

The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Its implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Read the blog here: https://pollinators.ie/how-small-farming-changes-can-support-bumblebees/

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

On this world bee day it is great to see The Great Yellow Bumblebee featuring in the latest publication from All Ireland Pollinator Plan "One Hundred Tales of Hope - see https://biodiversityireland.ie/app/uploads/flipbook/1/flipBook.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6UYZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETAyMzhJMWhHeUVHa0RYc0N1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpgjsQ1T-q-GM1cEZNKulcL8iiVlqNYrXx3zda-jFS0H_YMWQCIFk-RR-mRI_aem_QqToxgkk-Y3T9UGpVI9X3w

20/05/2026

World bee day and great work happening at Bunscoil Bhéal an Mhuirthead

13/05/2026

Mayo Biodiversity Week 2026 get underway this Friday, May 15th and runs until Sunday May 24th.

Check out some of the events taking place around the County next week and for more visit biodiversityweek.ie

09/05/2026

Birds-foot Trefoil - a popular choice with bumblebees at the moment

18/04/2026

Delighted to report that the first of three Great yellow bumblebee queens have been spotted on the Mullet Peninsula today. Many thanks to Dave Suddaby for the video.

27/03/2026

🆕New Guidance - Asian Hornet Nest Identification : https://shorturl.at/cKRGD

📷📝If you spot an Asian hornet embryo nest, please report it with a photo to our online recording form: www.invasives.ie/asianhornetreporter

⚠️ Important: Not all small nests belong to Asian hornets. Only report nests where you have seen an Asian hornet. Observe from a safe distance and watch for returning insects.

Why it matters:
Asian hornets are not currently known to be in Ireland. If they establish here, they could pose a serious threat to honeybees and other pollinators. Between March and April, mated queens could be expected to build their embryo nests.

How to identify an embryo nest:
✅ Small and spherical like a tennis ball (5–10 cm in diameter)
✅ Single entrance hole at the base
✅ Built in spring by a lone queen

Some places you might spot an embryo nest:
🌳 Brambles and hedgerows
🛖 Garden sheds

🚫 DO NOT destroy nests: they may belong to native wasps, which are essential for pest control and pollination.

Asian hornets are often mistaken for these look-alike species in Ireland:
🐝 Greater horntail wasps
🐝 Common wasps
🐝 Other wood wasps

Learn more about Asian hornet: www.invasives.ie/asianhornet

For honeybee hive concerns email: [email protected]

27/03/2026

23/03/2026

Well done, comhairdeas, well derserved

Alongside the managing director of SuperValu Ireland , Mr. Luke Hanlon, I have today launched the 2026 TidyTowns competition.

In place since 1958, the competition, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and sponsored by SuperValu, continues to be one of the most recognised sustainable, environmental and community initiatives in the country.

The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Monday May 11, 2026.

Entry forms and further information about the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available at www.tidytowns.ie.

Pic: Julien Behal