Ireland is home to many important bee species, including honey bees, bumblebees and solitary bees. Each plays a valuable role in pollination, biodiversity and the health of our natural environment.

Ashford & District Beekeepers Association supports responsible beekeeping, public education and greater awareness of the importance of bees in County Wicklow and beyond. We also promote the conservation of the native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, which is one of the Association’s core objectives.

The Native Irish Honey Bee

The native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, is also known as the dark native bee or black bee.

It is part of Ireland’s natural heritage and is an important focus for many Irish beekeepers. ABKA encourages members to learn about native bee conservation and to consider how responsible beekeeping can help protect local honey bee populations.

Conserving the native Irish honey bee involves thoughtful colony management, careful breeding choices, awareness of local bee populations and a long-term commitment to sustainable beekeeping.

Bumblebees and Solitary Bees

Not all bees live in hives or produce honey.

Ireland is also home to many wild bee species, including bumblebees and solitary bees. These bees are essential pollinators and can often be seen visiting garden flowers, hedgerows, meadows, orchards and wild plants.

Bumblebees usually live in small seasonal colonies, often nesting in long grass, banks, walls, compost heaps or sheltered places. Solitary bees do not live in large colonies and many are harmless, gentle and easily overlooked.

Understanding the difference between honey bees, bumblebees, solitary bees and wasps helps people respond appropriately when they find bees in gardens, sheds, walls or public spaces.

Why Bees Matter

Bees are important pollinators. They help many plants reproduce by carrying pollen from flower to flower.

Healthy bee populations support:

• wildflowers and native plants
• fruit trees and garden crops
• hedgerows and meadows
• biodiversity
• wildlife habitats
• local food production
• a healthy natural environment

Protecting bees is not only important for beekeepers. It matters to gardeners, farmers, schools, communities and anyone who values nature.

Helping Bees in Your Garden

You do not need to keep bees to help bees.

Simple actions can make a real difference:

• plant flowers that provide nectar and pollen

• choose plants that flower at different times of year
• allow some grass or wild areas to grow
• protect hedgerows and native plants
• avoid unnecessary pesticide use
• leave some natural nesting places for wild bees
• provide water during dry weather
• learn before disturbing bees or nests

Even a small garden, balcony, school space or community area can support pollinators.

Responsible Beekeeping and Native Bee Conservation

ABKA promotes careful, responsible beekeeping that respects bees, other beekeepers, neighbours and the wider environment.

Responsible beekeeping includes:

• learning before getting bees
• managing colonies with care
• understanding swarm control
• monitoring bee health
• supporting native bee conservation
• avoiding unnecessary disturbance
• sharing knowledge with others
• continuing to learn through the seasons

Beekeeping is a craft that takes patience, observation and support. ABKA encourages members to learn together in a friendly and collaborative way.