Of the farmers who were approved for bees, 14,000 were approved for sand pits while 4,000 were approved for bee boxes.

Of the 14,000 farmers approved for sand pits, 25,000 habitats were created, while 17,000 habitats were created by the 4,000 farmers approved for bee boxes.

Of the 20,000 farmers approved for conservation of birds, 213,000 habitats were created.

Some 214,000 bat habitats were created by the 17,000 farmers approved for conservation of bats.

Of the 101 bee species in Ireland, 80 species are solitary bees.

The bee population in Ireland has decreased in recent years and under GLAS, conservation focuses on solitary bees.

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As the nectar starts to flow, thoughts turn to swarm control

Brookfield Farm biodiversity walk and honey tasting