Emerging risks
Identified potential long-term risks
Emerging risks are identified through a process of horizon scanning. Information and data is gathered from a number of sources, including industry partners, communities and the public, academics and local resilience forum partners.
Yellow-legged Hornet (aka Asian Hornet)
The Yellow-legged hornet highly aggressive predator of native insects that poses a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators. Originally from Asia, in 2004 this invasive non-native species was accidentally introduced to France where it has spread rapidly and into neighbouring countries. Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK. In 2023 there have been 72 Yellow-legged hornet nests found in 56 locations.
For more information on this emerging risk visit BeeBase, the Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) National Bee Unit website: Yellow-legged Hornet » APHA - National Bee Unit - BeeBase
Resources
All the above can be ordered, free of charge, in laminated or glossy paper form by emailing nbu@apha.gov.uk
Where to report
Sightings should be reported through the free Asian Hornet Watch App, available for Android and iPhone, the NNSS online notification form, or using email at alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Where possible, a photo, the location of the sighting and a description of the insect seen should be included.
There is also a rolling news page for current sightings.