Following several queries from members regarding the reported sighting near Doncaster, the Regional Bee Inspector for North East England, Dhonn Atkinson, has clarified the situation. The report has been assessed as a credible sighting, meaning it met the National Bee Unit’s criteria: it was submitted through the Asian Hornet Watch app with a photograph and has been verified through official checks. However, the insect was not captured, which limits the level of confirmation and the ability to investigate further. At this stage, the authorities must respond proportionately to the available evidence. For this reason, the current response is to notify local beekeepers and Asian Hornet Action Teams and to encourage the placement of monitoring traps in the area. This is considered the appropriate level of action following a single credible report without a specimen. Further measures would only be escalated if additional sightings, captures, or stronger evidence emerge. This approach aligns with the UK response strategy, which prioritises early detection and proportionate surveillance to locate hornets and enable rapid nest detection if present.

On a personal note, and following discussions with John De Carteret from Jersey, my suspicion is that the Doncaster sighting may involve a hornet that has entered the UK through one of the high risk entry points identified on the YBKA map that was previously circulated.

That said, Doncaster teams are responding proactively and continuing to monitor the situation closely as a precaution, with the support of YBKA.