Hornets Nest

I found some hornets under my reptile refugia - here is one building a nest on the under side of one of the tins in the survey in hampshire 21st May 2004 - they are great animals!

The numbers of Hornets out and about around my local Reserve increases this time of year and last summer I was able to observe one of their nests near the base of a tree.  I agree they are handsome creatures and understand they are increasing their range northwards.  They are not rare where I live (in North East Hampshire) - although, in my experience, tend to be seen out in the countryside rather than in urban/sub-urban locations.   I think however that, like the adder, they should be treated with respect when it comes to handling.  I've heard them described as the UK's least aggressive wasp (towards humans) but also read somewhere that a sting from a Hornet could kill a horse.  That may be an over-exaggeration - but I'd expect if they were provoked to sting that would be a more serious affair than that of a common wasp - in any event it is not something I'd like to put to a test!