Manchester agency Code Computerlove has created a digital system to help protect the nation’s bees.
BeeConnected is web-based system bringing farmers and beekeepers together and can be used via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
Farmers register on the system and upload details of a field they are planning to spray with an insecticide that may present a risk to bees.
This drops a pin on the screen map and a notification is immediately sent to all registered beekeepers within a 5km radius, including additional information on the insecticide they will be using and the date they are spraying.
Similarly, beekeepers can show their location on the map and use the system to directly contact nearby farmers.
All insecticides currently approved for use in the UK are held on the system’s database and users select either the product by name or active ingredient from a drop down list when they enter an event.
BeeConnected was commissioned by The Voluntary Initiative, which promotes responsible pesticide use, and created by Code Computerlove with support from the Crop Protection Association.
Richard Butler, Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative, said: “We’re delighted to support this initiative. Farmers are committed to responsible use of pesticides and protecting pollinator health, this is a simple tool that supports them in that aim.”
