Beekeepers and members of the public were asked to remain vigilant after an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was spotted in the Gosport area of Hampshire. The National Bee Unit confirmed the sighting and monitoring commenced to detect any other Asian hornets in the vicinity.

This is the first confirmed UK sighting since October 2019, when two related nests were detected and destroyed near Christchurch, Dorset.

Have you seen an Asian hornet?

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by using the online report form. Alternatively, e-mail alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.