The Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH; Vespa velutina) poses a severe threat to UK biodiversity, native pollinators and honey bees, and potentially people who inadvertently disturb their nests in a garden, playing field,  park or out in the countryside. 

It is a non-native insect predator which has established itself across Europe and anyone with an interest in the natural environment should be aware that over 150 nests and sightings were recorded in the UK in 2025 and that the YLH is moving northward. 

Recent local sightings include: 

26 February 2026: Doncaster.

26 April 2026 YLH queen and embryo nest: Chesterfield

27 April 2026 Repton, Derbyshire

The SBKA appreciates, encourages and invites members of public to join the effort to limit the spread of this insect by being able to recognise what a Yellow legged hornet looks like and to report any sightings by sending a clear image via the free Asian Hornet Watch App available for both Apple and Android phones.

Alternatively Email your image to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

If you would like to register for the YLH monitoring network in the Sheffield area, please complete this brief GoogleForm here.