Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
I seem to be one of the first people in my community to hear about Asian Hornets. Should I be worried? What can I do to find out more?
-
There is no reason to be worried because are no reported Asian Hornets in our area today. However, they will come sooner or later.
-
Therefore there is a reason to be prepared - the first step is learn enough about the Asian Hornet threat to be able to judge what the impact might be for you, your family and your environment. Please attend a community presentation. If you want more information, contact aht-coordinator@sdbka.org, and we can connect you with a lead in your local community.
-
-
There has been so much publicity about Asian Hornets but there has been no sign of them so far in 2024, isn't this just a case of crying wolf?
-
It depends on your point of view. Everyone has different views on how much they need to know or want to know. Those that care about the impact on environment and wildlife have been the most vocal and interested, and the government has been engaging. Those that care about public safety and emergency services have been fairly quiet, maybe because government health and emergency services are almost silent on AH.
-
AH will come eventually to Wiltshire. It is just a case of when. European experience suggests their arrival in numbers is imminent. We shall see. The lesson is that the wolf did come and the people weren't ready.
-
-
How can I find out more about how the AH spread across Europe and the impact that it has had?
-
Please see the presentations.
-
If you want to know more, then contact aht-coordinator@sdbka.org, and we can help, including providing academic and expert reports.
-
-
I live on the border with Hampshire/Dorset/Somerset/other parts of Wiltshire. Is our AHT talking with them. What is the situation there? How can I contact them?
-
We are in contact with nearly every AHT across south England, from W Cornwall to Kent, including the hotspots of Plymouth, New Forest, Southampton, Dover and Kent. We are working to improve our coordination and situational awareness.
-
Parts of Hampshire and Somerset have seen AH, had nests and expect more. They are further ahead than us in terms of plans, organisation, communication and training. We are trying to catch up.
-
Contact
-
-
I am a member of Wiltshire Wildlife. What are they doing?
-
Our AHT members are not wildlife experts so we are assisting Wiltshire Wildlife in their efforts to raise awareness and to consider the AH impact on their wildlife projects and nature reserves.
-
-
I live next to a large area of MOD land and am concerned that Asian Hornets could breed unnoticed on MOD land and then spread into my village. What is MOD doing about the AH threat?
-
The MOD has been asked this question and a response is awaited.
-
MOD's Principal Ecologist for the UK is based on Salisbury Plain Training Area. He is the MOD focus for AH. MOD has briefed its staff and contractors on the threat and the need to monitor and report sightings.
-
Communication has been established and we have asked for MOD to speak at a public meeting with a view to improving coordination and communication.
-