I DISAGREE with Mr Earp re the Silence of the Bees (July 3).As a naturalist perhaps I am looking closer but there does not seem to be a shortage of bees in Lothingland.

I DISAGREE with Mr Earp re the Silence of the Bees (July 3).

As a naturalist perhaps I am looking closer but there does not seem to be a shortage of bees in Lothingland.

The bumble bees and other aculeates, including the hymenoptera (wasps), are in very good numbers and in 30 years of recording these creatures I have not noticed a decline.

The bramble flowers and the flowers in the gardens are frequently visited and I have also found plenty of nests.

If Mr Earp really has seen a decline I wonder if it is a problem with the use of pesticides nearby, he does mention allotments and gardens.

COLIN JACOBS

Grove Road

Beccles