Not every group of bees is a swarm. After two recent reports turned out to be something quite different, Tristan takes a closer look at the ivy bee, how it differs from a honey bee and what to do if you find them.

Finding several thousand bees suddenly clustered on a tree, fence, shed or garden furniture can be quite a surprise. One day there is nothing there and the next there is a football-sized mass of bees hanging from a branch, with more flying around it.