Asian hornet numbers double on previous year

Experts have said nearly 700 Asian hornet nests have been found in Jersey this year, more than double the number found in 2024.

John De Carteret, from the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, said there were 694 nests recorded in 2025, compared to 259 in 2024.

He added a further seven nests were recorded in the week commencing the 1 December but only one had hornets inside.

He had previously expressed concerns over cuts in the budget but the States agreed not to cut £600k from the environment budget this week.

Mr De Carteret previously said: "Any vote which results in a reduction in the tiny amount spent on Asian hornet control is a vote for more hornets."

Jersey's government had initially rejected calls from the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel for the environment department to have £11.7m of funding next year rather than the £11.1m proposed in the 2026-2029 budget.

After an amendment was made the States Assembly members voted 44-1 in favour, with no abstentions.

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