Warwickshire beekeepers, who supported the Thames and Twickenham motion, fear they could damage their relationship with the BBKA at Stoneleigh Park if they speak out about the subject.

But the BBKA says it wants to maintain a dialogue with the pesticide industry, claiming it's "time to move on".

The BBKA said its members had increased the number of bee colonies by 50% this year - up from 80,000 to 120,000 since March.

The BBKA is concerned that there is nothing to stop a repeat of last year's losses, leading to a further reduction in the insects, which are vital for pollinating agricultural plants and wild flowers.

According to the BBKA, honeybee colonies are no longer surviving in the wild because of the diseases hitting the insect, and swarms looking for new homes should be collected for hives where they can be managed..

That is the highest number on record since at least 1989, when BBKA began recording figures.

Margaret Wilson, chairwoman of the BBKA, said: "Honeybees and all our wild creatures need food to eat and that can only come from what we plant and grow, so gardening and agricultural practices are incredibly important."

If you're interested in getting started, contact the British Beekeepers Association (bbka.org.

But, according to a study from the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA), the West Midlands has seen the best crop of honey for the last five years, indicating a recovery in the health of the insects.

Tim Lovett, BBKA Director of Public Affairs, said: "There are more beekeepers in towns and cities too."

The BBKA annual conference, held at their base in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, was a hive of activity yesterday as members complained that the charity had endorsed pesticides that were causing bees to die.

According to figures collected by the BBKA from more than 1,000 of their members, 17.3% of colonies across the UK were lost over the winter.