Dear Swarm Collector,
Finding a swarm usually involves a frightened member of the public in making multiple phone calls. Now there is an internet map system where a swarm finder can enter their postcode and immediately get the phone number of the nearest swarm collector. This eliminates the need to call intermediate bodies like Councils, Police or Beekeeping Associations.
The map presentation is simple and clear, and allows users to check that there isn't an estuary between them and the 'nearest' beekeeper. A second click on the map indicator provides the best road route to the swarm, and Streetview even lets the collector look at the premises etc. The map also works on iphones and smartphones which already know their location.
If you are a swarm collector, or have been one in the past could you please take a look at the map and key your postcode into the search box (top right) and press enter. A demonstration version of the map is here.
If you are on the map please let me know if you wish to remain there or be removed. If you are not on the map but would like to be then also click this address and the email template shows the information needed to put you on the map or correct your entry.
If you can't find yourself on the map check the bottom right hand corner of the "flag" that shows the beekeeper's details. You may find a number and a chevron thus "1-3>". Click on the chevron and you will see others who are in the same location. This usually occurs because there are several bee keepers in the same location, which may be broad like "Sheffield". The map works best with your postcode, which will usually give you your own marker.
There has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction to this map. Below are answers to some frquently asked questions. I hope you join the map and please pass on its existence to others you know who may be interested. Ultimately the map will need to be visible to the public, but first I want those who are on the map to be happy with it.
Thank your for your time.
Best wishes
Steve Dyer
Privacy.
All of the information on this map so far is from publicly available information on the internet, so this map does not reveal anything more about you than other information already in the public domain.
The "marker" that appears on the map for you points to the centre of your postcode, and thus does not reveal your specific house.
Although I may use your email address to contact you your address is not held on the computer that runs the map.
How is this different from other systems?
This system links the finder with the nearest beekeeper, or the next nearest if he/she is unavailable. It does not need to know the areas that the collector thinks he covers. Because it finds the nearest person it spreads the calls more fairly and evenly and thus reduces the number of calls that are about swarms that are too far away.
Because the nearest collector is contacted there is also a likelihood that the swarm will be collected promptly before it takes off.
This system works strongly in the best interests of the public, who suffer from the fear and worry that a swarm causes. Because the map finds the nearest beekeeper it can complicate the job of a swarm co-ordinator who is trying to get a swarm for a particular person, but this is a small price to pay for giving a first class responsible service to members of the public.
How do you make sure the collector is good?
This system has no monitoring of the quality of the collectors on it. Hopefully local swarm coordinators will be selective about who they put on, but indivduals can volunteer to be on the map.
Who controls the map?
Right now it's me, because the map covers the whole of the UK and it deals with anyone who wants to be a swarm collector. However I hope to improve the updating system so that local swarm coordinators can directly provide information on their local members who collect swarms, because this will provide a good source of accurate and up-to-date local information.
Who am I?
I am a retired internet person and beekeeper. I orginally set up this map for my own purposes to ease the job of finding bee collectors, but then realised that it provides a service which could be very valuable to the general public, and the councils and police and pest destruction companies who are plagued by calls about bee swarms. The map has no commercial or cost implications.
Can there be an insect identification page before the map?
It can be joined to association pages or it can have its own check for bumble bees, wasps and so on. However, anyone taking a swarm call should check the nature and position of the 'swarm'. Because this system spreads calls evenly, on average everybody should get fewer calls and thus have more time to verify the information and help the caller.
Does this duplicate the BBKA's new web site system?
There are similarities, but:
1. The BBKA system provides a large number of options with some collectors being a long distance from the swarm.
2. It also lists co-ordinators who sometimes have their own private lists of collectors. This map is designed to go straight to collectors, and more importantly the nearest collector.
3. The map presentation is not only clear, but shows where the 'nearest' collector may be the wrong side of a river or bay.
4. The map can provide a road route for the collector to travel to the swarm, you have to click on the marker a second time.
