Research into changing bee habits to be launched

When Marc Carlton began documenting the habits of the bees that visited his garden in 2006, he was unaware that he would uncover a strange phenomenon.

The wildlife gardener and ecologist realised that many bumblebees are now negating their winter hibernation to take advantage of the late-blooming plants and trees installed by UK garden and greenhouse lovers, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed.

"Many insects appear to be extending their distribution due to the changing climate, but this is one of the first examples of them apparently changing their behaviour," Mr Carlton told the news provider.

Now, the Leverhulme Trust is set to fund a study by Queen Mary University, the University of London and the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society into why the change of habit may have occurred.

Possible reasons include climate change, the introduction of new species and the popularity of wildlife gardening in Britain.

Meanwhile, another creatures winter habits have left RHS experts at Garden Wisley scratching their heads.

A little robin has decided to call the attractions large greenhouse home and refuses to be evicted, returning time after time whenever staff try to move it.