Hainault Forest has advised visitors to “remain vigilant” after it was alerted to “a large number” of hornets gathering by the play ropes.
The UK is home to one native species of hornet, the European hornet.
This species has a distinctive coloured head that appears yellow from the front and red from above.
The insects have a largely pale yellow abdomen with black stripes, with dark legs that resemble a black or reddish brown colour.
The species of the hornets spotted in Hainault Forest has not yet been confirmed.
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Hainault Forest wrote on Facebook: “We are currently aware of a large number of hornets grouping near the play ropes area.
“For public safety, the area has been cordoned off.
“We kindly ask all visitors to remain vigilant and exercise extra caution while exploring the forested areas of the site.”
