Protecting Ireland’s Native Dark European Honey Bee: A Call to Action

Introduction

Ireland’s beekeepers are sounding the alarm over the future of the country’s native dark European honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). This hardy species, perfectly adapted to Ireland’s often unpredictable climate, is facing an existential threat due to the increasing presence of non-native honey bees. The introduction of foreign bees is leading to hybridisation, the spread of disease, and growing competition for already limited resources.

As an island nation, Ireland has long been a stronghold for this unique subspecies, but that status is now under threat. If action isn’t taken soon, we risk losing the dark honey bee, along with the invaluable role it plays in pollination, biodiversity, and food production. The warning signs are already clear, with nearly one-third of Ireland’s wild bee species edging closer to extinction.

A Unique Species Under Threat

The dark European honey bee is not just another honey bee; it is a crucial part of Ireland’s natural heritage. Over centuries, it has evolved to thrive in our cool, damp climate, making it far more resilient to Irish weather than imported bees, which often struggle without extra care. Unlike non-native species, the dark bee has adapted to survive on the seasonal availability of Ireland’s flora, making it both a hardy and sustainable pollinator.

Fortunately, research has shown that the vast majority—97.8%—of honey bees in Ireland are still pure Apis mellifera mellifera. However, a more recent study in 2024 warns that hybridisation with imported bees is a growing issue. Once hybridisation occurs, the unique traits of the dark bee could be lost forever. Bees bred for warmer climates may struggle in Irish weather, requiring more intervention from beekeepers and potentially leading to weaker populations overall.

Beyond hybridisation, disease is another major concern. Imported bees can bring harmful pathogens and parasites, such as Varroa destructor, a mite that weakens bee colonies and makes them more vulnerable to viruses. While Varroa is already present in Ireland, further imports increase the risk of introducing new, more aggressive strains of disease.

Competition for food and nesting space is another issue. Foreign bees may be more prolific foragers, taking valuable nectar and pollen from the native honey bee. With habitats already under pressure from land-use changes, every resource matters. If these threats aren’t addressed, the dark European honey bee could face a slow but inevitable decline.

A Wider Pollinator Crisis

The struggle of the native honey bee is part of a much bigger problem. Across Ireland, more than half of all bee species have seen serious population declines since the 1980s, and nearly a third of the country’s 99 wild bee species are now threatened with extinction. Among them, six are critically endangered, ten are endangered, and fourteen are considered vulnerable.

The loss of pollinators isn’t just an issue for nature lovers—it’s a crisis for food production and biodiversity. Bees play a fundamental role in pollinating crops like apples, strawberries, and oilseed rape. Without them, yields could drop dramatically, affecting food security and increasing costs for farmers and consumers alike.

A combination of factors is driving this decline. Habitat loss is one of the biggest challenges, as more wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and natural nesting sites are cleared for development or intensive agriculture. Where bees once thrived, many now struggle to find enough food.

Pesticide use is another major concern. Although some harmful chemicals have been restricted in the EU, many still pose a danger to pollinators. Even low-level exposure can affect a bee’s ability to forage, navigate, and reproduce.

Climate change is making things even more unpredictable. Warmer winters mean some bees emerge too early in the year when flowers aren’t yet blooming. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations are also affecting the availability of food sources, creating new challenges for already stressed populations.

Conservation and Policy Changes Needed

To protect the dark European honey bee, stricter regulations on bee imports are needed. Some European countries, such as Norway, have already implemented strong measures to prevent the introduction of non-native bees, and Ireland could follow suit by establishing protected conservation zones where only the native dark bee is permitted. 

There is also growing support for increased biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of bee diseases. By improving monitoring and quarantine procedures for imported bees, the risk of disease transmission to native colonies could be significantly reduced.

Conservation efforts are already underway. The Wild Honey Bee Study, a collaborative research initiative, is assessing the number and distribution of wild honey bee colonies in Ireland to develop targeted conservation strategies. Additionally, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is promoting bee-friendly policies and encouraging landowners, councils, and businesses to take action.

Beyond policy changes, habitat restoration is essential. Farmers, landowners, and local authorities can all play a role in creating environments where bees can thrive. Restoring wildflower meadows, maintaining hedgerows, and reducing pesticide use can all contribute to reversing pollinator declines.

The Role of Farmers, Beekeepers, and Communities in Protecting Pollinators

While national conservation policies are crucial, local action is just as important. Farmers, beekeepers, and communities all have a vital role to play in protecting Ireland’s pollinators:

1. Farmers: Supporting Bees Through Sustainable Practices:

Farmers manage much of Ireland’s landscape, making them key players in pollinator conservation. Simple changes in land management can have a big impact:

• Planting Wildflower Strips and Cover Crops: Providing a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year.
• Protecting Hedgerows and Woodland Areas: These natural habitats offer food and shelter for pollinators.
• Reducing Pesticide Use: Adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques can control pests while minimising harm to bees.
• Providing Nesting Areas: Leaving patches of bare ground and maintaining stone walls supports wild bee populations.

2. Beekeepers: Preserving the Native Dark Bee:

Beekeepers play a key role in safeguarding the dark European honey bee:

• Avoiding Non-Native Imports: Using locally bred bees helps maintain genetic purity.
• Raising Awareness: Sharing knowledge about hybridisation and sustainable beekeeping practices strengthens conservation efforts.
• Monitoring Colony Health: Regular hive inspections help detect diseases before they spread.
• Supporting Conservation Initiatives: Engaging with organisations dedicated to protecting native bee populations.

3. Communities: Creating Bee-Friendly Spaces:

Even those outside of farming and beekeeping can make a difference:

• Bee-Friendly Gardening: Planting nectar-rich flowers, reducing lawn mowing, and avoiding pesticides can support pollinators.
• Educating the Next Generation: Schools and community groups can help raise awareness about the importance of bees.
• Encouraging Local Authorities to Act: Lobbying councils to plant wildflowers and reduce pesticide use in public spaces.
• Supporting Local Honey Producers: Choosing local honey helps sustain beekeepers who are dedicated to protecting native bee populations.

When communities come together to support pollinators, even small changes can have a lasting impact.

Conclusion

The dark European honey bee is at a critical turning point. Without immediate action, this vital pollinator could be lost, leading to serious consequences for biodiversity, food production, and agriculture. However, there is still time to reverse the damage. By strengthening regulations on bee imports, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable farming, Ireland can ensure the survival of its native honey bee.

At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we are committed to promoting sustainable solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment. As policymakers, farmers, and conservationists work together to tackle the threats facing Ireland’s pollinators, we must all play our part in protecting one of Ireland’s most valuable natural assets.

By taking action now, we can ensure that the dark European honey bee continues to thrive, securing a brighter future for Irish agriculture, biodiversity, and the generations to come.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.