As of 31 July, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU) informed us that they have received further credible reports of YLH’s. This means that currently there has been a total of 108 sightings in 2025.
Three sightings have been reported in new locations; other sightings reflect previously reported locations: The new locations are Shipbourne, Headcorn and Broadstairs, all in Kent.
Fourteen nests have been discovered.
Kent
Harrietsham, Kent
Higham near Gravesend, Kent
Church Hougham, Kent
Broadstairs, Kent
Sandgate, Kent
Hythe, Kent
Hemsted, Kent
Langdon Cliffs (1), Dover, Kent
Langdon Cliffs (2), Dover, Kent
Betteshanger, Kent
Stelling Minnis, Kent
East Sussex
Broad Oak, East Sussex
Hastings, East Sussex
Sedlescombe, East Sussex
As of 31 July, 41 confirmed nests have been found this year.
Four of these nests have been found by using a new tracking system which the NBU are trialling this year. The nest at Broadstairs was found by the local AHAT.
The nest at Chilham has been analysed by Fera Science. The results showed that it was highly likely to be the offspring of the Coldred nest found in 2024.
The NBU are following up the other credible reports and anticipate finding further nests.
