In late 2025, the GAL Pays de l’Ourthe issued a call for expressions of interest to acquire local black bee colonies at a democratic price. Over 30 individuals responded, demonstrating strong citizen enthusiasm for preserving this local honey bee.
However, due to a difficult season for queen rearing and several heatwaves, only 10 out of the 30 planned colonies could be established this summer.
The spring started strong but then experienced prolonged low temperatures, negatively impacting queen rearing. Subsequently, heatwaves compromised the establishment of the young colonies. Extreme heat exhausts bees, sometimes forcing them to stay in the hive, and reduces nectar secretion, diminishing nectar and pollen intake. This weakens the colonies, compelling beekeepers to provide artificial feeding.
Individuals who have not yet received their colonies have opted to let them overwinter with a beekeeper until their installation in spring 2027.
Although the call for interest has closed, the GAL encourages those wishing to join the black bee network in the Pays de l’Ourthe to express their interest by writing to e.petre@paysourthe.be.
To learn more about the project, visit www.paysourthe.be/abeillenoire.
