BEEKEEPERS across north east London and Essex have hit back at a new report which claims their hobby could be doing more harm than good.

According to the Government’s National Audit Office, Britain’s bee population is under severe threat from amateur keepers because many of them lack the knowledge and expertise to look after their bumbling buddies properly.

This is no minor concern. The work done by our stripy friends in pollinating fruit and vegetables alone contributes around £20 million to the economy, and 90 per cent of Britain’s apple production is dependent on happy honeybees.

But the keepers - or apiculturists to use the technical term - argue it is the weather which is contributing to the declining numbers, and point to the good work of local support groups who help provide advice and help for their honey hobby.

Keen keeper David Hulbert, a member of the Epping Forest Beekeepers Association, has two hives holding around 60,000 bees in his back garden on Mayfield Avenue, South Woodford.

He said: “As with any creature, bees are subject to disease and a beekeeper has to be on the lookout for a healthy hive, but the climate also has a lot to do with it - we had a very wet and cold summer last year which is no good for a happy hive.

“A lot of this excitement comes from large-scale commercial beekeeping in America, which is on a completely different scale of production to the town and village beekeepers we have here.”

And the hobby certainly gives Mr Hulbert a buzz.

He added: “It’s such a fascinating and rewarding hobby, and it’s also good for the environment. We produce about 120lbs of honey a year which we either eat, give to our friends or sell to raise money for a Jewish charity in Belarus.

“Of course, everybody likes honey. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Visit eppingforestbeekeepers.co.uk for more information on the group and advice on beekeeping.