A gloomy January morning walk today had me thinking about how very different our world could have been without insects. 

When we think of nature and conservation we tend to think of the larger animals and birds, but insects really are the invisible unsung heroes of our world.

Around 135 million years ago, dinosaurs walked the earth.  When we think of dinosaurs roaming the earth, we tend to think of huge beasts tearing up the vegetation, colossal battles between gigantic armour plated warriors, and herds of smaller beasts being chased and preyed upon by larger dinosaurs, whilst the gigantic forerunners of today’s birds dominate the skies.

We rarely, if at all, give much thought to the plants and insects which would have inhabited this world. 

WINTER

It really is a very bleak day here today.  Snow is causing chaos over much of the country.  We’re luckier than most in our patch in Surrey.  We’ve had a little snow, a lot of heavy rain and strong winds.  The sky is grey outside the windows. 

The Winter Solstice (the shortest day and longest night the year) was last week.  Although I doubt any of us have noticed it yet, the sun is gradually growing in strength and the days are starting to get just a tiny bit longer each day.

Photo:  Sun rise on the Winter Solstice

During this time the beehives show little or no signs of activity and look abandoned.  However inside is a different story. 

Up until the last few days most of us have been enjoying a milder than usual autumn, but the last few days have definitely turned colder.  Brrrrrrr

Photo:  Carder bee foraging on hebe on a sunny afternoon last week

I often get asked what happens to the bees in winter so now seems a good time for a blog about just that.

The answer is - it depends on which type of bee it is.