Wild bees at Blenheim

Small colonies, live 20m above ground, swarm frequently , make curved comb and produce little honey.
Interesting to see the differences bee breeding has made.

‘No one knew they existed’: wild heirs of lost British honeybee found at Blenheim

The ‘ecotype’, thought to have been wiped out by disease and invasive species, is thriving in the estate’s ancient woodlands

www.theguardian.com

 

[John B]

One of these stories comes up every few years. Like all of those in the past this is a load of rubbish.
A fine example of the difference between new age belief and reality.
That they may have some of the characteristics and genetics of the old British bee I can believe because plenty of beekeepers in England keep the nasty little shites. In unmanaged conditions these genetics tend to dominate. This article is all conjecture and speculation combined with loads of wishful thinking. Wanting something to be true doesn't make it so.

 

[Sailabee]

I agree @John B , the English have a fervour for judging the genetics from the patterns on the wings. Personally, I would think that genome sequencing as used in Otago NZ has a far superior accuracy.

 

[Josh]

Awesome place Blenheim Palace. Use to take the kids there on weekends for walks & picnics. Saw a jousting “tournament” there, and they even knocked one of the riders off the horse… seriously impressive.