National Bee Unit facts for kids

The National Bee Unit (NBU) is a special team in England and Wales that helps keep bees healthy. They have about 60 Bee Inspectors who work out in the field, and other staff based in Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire. Their main job is to protect honey bees, which are super important for pollinating plants and crops.

How the Bee Unit Started

Early Days of Bee Health

Back in the 1950s, looking after bee health was part of a group called the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS). They had small teams in places like Harpenden and Trawsgoed.

Forming the National Bee Unit

These teams joined together in 1979 to create the National Beekeeping Unit. This unit was located in Luddington, Warwickshire. In 1991, the National Beekeeping Unit became part of the Central Science Laboratory.

Moving and Growing

The unit moved to Sand Hutton, North Yorkshire, in 1996. At this time, it changed its name to the National Bee Unit. Later, in 2009, the Central Science Laboratory joined with other UK government groups. They formed The Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). FERA's goal was to help create a way to produce food that lasts a long time and to protect nature.

On April 1, 2014, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) grew bigger. It took on parts of FERA, including the National Bee Unit. APHA is an agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

What the Bee Unit Does

The National Bee Unit works for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Welsh Government. It helps bees in England and Wales. It does not cover Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Research and Advice

The unit does a lot of research to understand bee health better. This research helps them give good advice to beekeepers. It also helps government groups make rules about bees.

BeeBase Website

The NBU also runs a website called BeeBase. This website helps keep track of serious honey bee pests and diseases. It helps control their spread, which is very important for bee health.

Why the Bee Unit is Important

The main job of the National Bee Unit is to protect the honey bee. Honey bees are vital pollinators for many crops and wild plants. The unit supports the beekeeping industry in several ways:

• Controlling Pests and Diseases: They work to control serious bee pests and diseases that are already in the country. This helps reduce the harm they cause to bees and the economy.
• Advising Beekeepers: They teach beekeepers how to spot and control pests themselves. This helps beekeepers become more independent in managing their bees' health.
• Preventing New Threats: They try to stop new, dangerous pests and diseases from coming into the country. If a new threat does arrive, they work quickly to manage it.

See also

• Veterinary Medicines Directorate
• Beekeeping in the United Kingdom