Sustainable beekeeping, chickens, and baking
We have had a lot of rain, stormy weather, and low temperatures here in the south east over the past couple of weeks so apart from strapping down the hives against Storm Bella, I've not been over to the apiary. It was cold and damp today, but I wanted to have a look at the … Continue reading Midwinter Apiary Visit
The chickens are still shut in securely under avian flu restrictions, but it gets dark at about 4pm and I sometimes don't get round to closing the popholes to the coops but it does mean the hens can let themselves down in to the run when they wake up. Yesterday morning, as I was drinking … Continue reading Goodbye, Ginger Jason
On Monday 14th December, our domestic poultry have to be confined to barracks and restricted from accessing areas also used by wild birds. As stated in my previous posts, this is to prevent the spread of avian flu which is currently circulating in Europe and has the potential to be a serious health issue for … Continue reading Bird Flu III
So, the restrictions for poultry have increased to full containment from the 14th December. This is problematic for me as I rely on ranging as the birds' outdoor area and many of my coops - although they have runs attached - are not big or secure enough to house the occupants full time. Hens do … Continue reading Bird Flu II
I designed this poster a few years ago, as I wanted an aide memoire that was less focussed on traditional beekeeping, and more about honey bees. If we want to keep bees in tune with their natural development and lifecycle, it's important to have a greater understanding of how bees function and many of the … Continue reading Beekeeping Poster
This Christmas is going to be a strange one for many, although less so for me as I usually spend Christmas Day on my own or with my children, and actually I find it blissfully relaxing! My older two have moved away so now it's just Rosie and me, and this year we have our … Continue reading Bee Courses for Christmas
This recipe is from Top With Cinnamon - the method is on my vlog. I used a 6 portion muffin tin greased with melted shredded suet, but you can use butter and flour. Streusel topping: 2tbsp flour 1tbsp rolled oats1tbsp soft brown sugar1/4tsp cinnamon Mix together to form a rubbly texture Muffin ingredients: 1 cup … Continue reading Carrot Struesel Muffins
My kitchen smells fabulous. I saw an Instagram post on Hodmedod's feed about an interesting new grain blend from Venessa Kimbell, founder of The Sourdough School. As she rightly points out, even whole ancient grains and heritage wheats to grind at home are sold cleaned and graded, unlike the inclusions our ancestors would have inevitably … Continue reading Botanical Bread
The UK is currently under high alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N8) so even those of us with a few hens are required by law to adhere to the biosecurity measures set out by government. Oh, if only it were as simple as donning a mask and maintaining social distance... I am disappointed as … Continue reading Bird Flu
In this week's vlog I tackle another bundt cake, which I have pinched from this website: the naptime chef. I realised it was a large amount of batter and I have so few eggs I decided to halve the amount, and actually it fitted the bundt pan I have perfectly, although mine is an 8" … Continue reading Spiced Apple Bundt Cake