Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) Annual Report 2025

Non-native invasive species

Yellow-legged hornet

2025 saw a significant increase of YLH sightings in England where a record There has been a total of 544 credible sightings of yellow-legged hornets in 2025. There has been a total of 161 confirmed nests of yellow-legged hornets in 2025 principally in the south of England., and 270 since 2016, all of which were destroyed. There was also 1 unconfirmed nest in Southampton, Hampshire where the sample was not obtainable.Nest have also been identified in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. To date, no nests have been discovered in Scotland.

While there is no evidence to suggest that these hornets are established in the UK, the NBU and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continues to actively work to eliminate the Yellow-legged hornet in England. In Scotland, there is no formal surveillance program because there are no identified critical risk points. However, with the increasing number of sightings and confirmed nests in England, including in northern regions like Lancashire and Yorkshire, the BHIP continue to raise awareness by beekeepers and members of the public, particular those in specific sectors (Gardeners/ horticultural specialists/etc) in Scotland and encourage extra vigilance to increase the likelihood of detection should this non-native invasive species arrive in Scotland.

The public is most likely to spot a Yellow-legged hornet in autumn when their population is at its peak. As the threat of an incursion grows ever closer a poster and digital flyer was developed to help people tell the difference between the yellow legged hornet and common confuser species as found in Scotland

SASA visited FERA (National Bee Unit) in October 2025 to receive training on yellow-legged hornet nest and genetic analysis.

The risk of an incursion of the Yellow-legged hornet in Scotland is, unfortunately, likely at some point in the future. However, this close co-operation with our English counterparts, who now have had ample experience in tackling incursions, ensures we are trained and ready to deal with one should it occur.

During 2025, all actions identified through the lessons learned process following the testing of the contingency plan were completed. An in-field exercise was also successfully delivered to test operational readiness. Following the testing of both the governance and in-field elements of the contingency plan, we are confident that we are well placed to respond effectively to an incursion of Yellow-legged Hornet.