Latest News First Asian Hornet sighted & confirmed in North Devon The first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet on the UK mainland in 2017 is in North Devon. A beekeeper near Woolacombe in North Devon saw an Asian Hornet hawking in front of his hives and also gathering nectar from ivy. Confirmation The beekeeper submitted his evidence to the National Beekeeping Unit (NBU) and they have confirmed that it is an Asian Hornet. Urgent Task Inspectors from the NBU are now on their way to Devon to back up local colleagues in the urgent task of tracking down the nest. All beekeepers in the area are advised to check their own hives and look out for any signs of Asian Hornets nesting. Recent finds on the Channel Islands suggest that they not only place their nests at height in trees but also use a quiet spot in a garden shed from time to time to build their living spaces. -ends- Manage Cookie Preferences