I wanted to see how the free-range bees at Selmeston were getting on after their relocation. I was concerned that they might be too traumatised by the interference and subsequent robbing but I need not have worried: I have a full update on my Patreon but they seem to be using the back and sides …
Autumn at the Thermosolar Hives
The bees at Berwick are definitely hunkering down for autumn. The wax moth seem to be taking the hint from the bees and the takeover bid appears to have been deflected for the time being. The second hive is showing signs of defence, with the bees clustered at the entrance on guard duty. You can …
Wild-living Bees Rescue
I was contacted by the owner of the wild-living bees to say the dilapidated hive had finally succumbed to gravity and tipped over. The bees didn't seem hugely bothered by the new orientation but if I'd left the hive in situ it would have rotted further and been impossible to rectify, so something needed to …
Exciting New Resident at the Thermosolar Hives
I took a trip to Berwick today, as it is due to warm up again and I needed to spend more than 3 minutes in my bee suit to make sure the bees were ok. Surprisingly the hive I thought had succumbed to wax moth was alive and very much kicking. Given how grumpy that …
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A Little Update
https://youtu.be/bSXKRKrFw18 I made this video for my Patrons, but decided it might be worth sharing on here too. If you are interested in supporting my work, please find me on Patreon. It's the easiest way to get targeted, ad-free content, and have the chance to be involved with the content I produce. I have some …
Thermosolar Bees on a hot HOT day
We are in the throes of a heatwave at the moment, with the maximum temperatures ever recorded in the UK being reached - and exceeded. I went to see the Thermosolar hives as I wanted to make sure they were coping in the heat. We visited in the evening by which time it was beginning …
Sustainable Beekeeping Poster
I have a few of these left, so let me know if you would like one as a handy reminder of how a honey bee colony works! Patrons get a free one; blog readers get a 50% discount... Sustainable Beekeeping PosterA2 Poster, including UK delivery£5.00Click here to purchase.
Biodiversity and the Thermosolar Hives
The Solar Bee Project is not only about honey bees; biodiversity is also a core aim. Honey bees are not endangered, but encouraging an awareness and provision for these well-known and much-loved insects provides a focal point for wider biodiversity challenges. The site at Berwick is valuable for its low intervention and lack of disturbance. …
Late Spring Check of the Thermosolar Hives
We went to see the Thermosolar bees this week to see if they had built up any more since the last inspection. It was a very bright and breezy day at the solar farm, and both hives were flying well. We took the inspection boards out to check for Varroa: There were a few wax …
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Now more than ever…
...we need to invite, encourage, and celebrate the wildlife in our gardens. A recent report by Buglife and Kent Wildlife Trust confirms what we all have observed (or rather, have not observed) on our windscreens and number plates: insect numbers have declined dramatically. My friend drives to Scotland each year in August. In a Landrover. …
Wayward Bee 