Kent Downs National Landscape is working in conjunction with Asian Hornet Alert to help distribute monitoring traps for this invasive non-native species across Kent. This pilot project called Making Trapping Happen, is aimed at helping farmers, landowners and smallholders monitor the threat of Asian Hornets, which prey on honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies - all vital for pollination and healthy crops.

Kent Downs National Landscape is helping to distribute Asian Hornet Alert selective traps which are designed for monitoring only and are not kill traps. The lid holes allow insects to investigate the sugary bait inside and fly out, but keep hold of Asian Hornets. If one is caught and it is verified through the Asian Hornet Watch app, Asian Hornet Alert volunteers set up an open bait station nearby to work out where the nest is.

So far this year there has been 385 credible sightings of Asian Hornets in the UK and 96 nests found and destroyed. Early detection is key and help is needed from farmers/landowners who can record any sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app or get involved by applying for a free trap.

For surther details, please see www.kentdowns.org.uk/making-trapping-happen which has more information, including how you can apply for a free trap and where they can collect these from across the Kent Downs.