A new study is to be launched into the changing habits of bumblebees in the UK.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Leverhulme Trust is funding the research from Queen Mary University, the University of London and the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society.
It will specifically look into why the insects are increasingly shunning their winter hibernation to enjoy winter-flowering plants and trees.
“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,” noted wildlife gardener and ecologist Marc Carlton.
Mr Carlton began documenting the habits of the bees visiting his garden in 2006 and was the first person to record the phenomenon of winter bees, according to the RHS.
Possible reasons for the change in trend could be climate change, the introduction of new species or the popularity of gardening for wildlife in the UK.
Meanwhile, the RHS recently revealed that the glasshouse at its Garden Wisley attraction has proved so inviting for one particular guest that it has returned time and again.
The little robin has been evicted on numerous occasions and taken a large distance away from the giant greenhouse, but always returns to enjoy its warmth.
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