AHAT – Asian Hornet Action Team

AHATs – Asian Hornet Action Teams – are localised volunteers typically based within local beekeeper associations.  These individuals and groups are tasked with supporting the general public in training and identifying the Asian Hornet, ensuring that positive identification is reported quickly and correctly.  This has the following aims and benefits:

1. To bolster the workforce by addressing each incursion case and provide valuable support to Bee Inspectors, who are currently in short supply.  AHATs (Asian Hornet Action Teams) aim to increase the number of people involved.
   
   
2. The objective is to stay proactive by having AHATs promptly identify Asian hornets reported in a particular area and immediately initiate measures to locate nests if required by the National Bee Unit (NBU).
   
   
3. The goal is to provide local beekeepers and the general public with reassurance and confidence, knowing that AHATs and the relevant authorities are handling Asian hornet situations swiftly and efficiently.
   
   
4. To successfully educate BKA members and the public about the identification and risk associated with Vespa velutina, drawing inspiration from the successful efforts of our colleagues in Jersey back in 2018.