Dave Chesmore is part of a Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council pump-priming project to monitor the age of bumblebee hives using acoustic detection of activity.
The hives are used for pollinating crops such as tomatoes in glasshouses, but a way of determining when the hive is too old and must be replaced is needed. The project is a feasibility study and is due to end at the end of May. Hive temperature, humidity and weight are also being measured for 2 hives at Stockbridge Technology Centre which are being used for tomato pollination. If successful Dr. Chesmore and his team will be investigating embedded computer solutions for installing in hives.
