Invasive Species Week: 22nd – 28th June 2026 Organised by the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS), this annual event aims to raise awareness about the environmental and economic threats caused by invasive non-native species and what we can do to prevent their spread. Invasive plants and animals are a threat to our native wildlife, cost the UK economy approximately £2 billion a year and can also be harmful to our health. Information about how you can get involved together with resources to help raise awareness can be found on the NNSS website. A non-native invasive species which affects honey bees is the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet (YLAH) which poses a significant threat. We need everyone to be actively looking and to report sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app. Additional information from the NNSS website. Illustration by Sarah Bunker The BBKA, with support from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), has developed a new, FREE, fully resourced educational project designed to support schools in exploring pollinators, biodiversity, and invasive species. Pollinator Protectors is a classroom-based citizen science programme that introduces pupils to the ecological impact of invasive species, with a particular focus on the Yellow-legged Asian hornet. Through structured activities, pupils will learn how monitoring supports national efforts led by the National Bee Unit (NBU), helping to protect pollinators and wider ecosystems. The full resource is available now as part of NNSS Invasive Species Week. Click Here BBKA Pollinator Protectors Press Release June 2026 Manage Cookie Preferences