Late Autumn and the Thermosolar Hives

I wanted to pop in and check the inspection boards of the Thermosolar hives to monitor the mite numbers, and generally make sure all was well. It was a cool day but there was some sunshine so I hoped the bees would be flying. https://videopress.com/v/uKhpxIBe?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata Sure enough, the second hive was active, with bees steadily …

School Beekeeping Podcast

I recently featured on the Living Being podcast, talking about my involvement with schools and honey bees. You can listen to it here, or it's over on my Patreon as a public post. If you'd like me to talk to your school, or be on your podcast, please email me.

High Summer at Shawpits

It's taken a while, but it's lovely to have some proper summer weather. There haven't been many swarm calls which has meant I've been able to focus on some other garden projects which I didn't get round to last year despite going literally nowhere for 15 months...anyone else in that situation? My friend helped my …

Themosolar Swarm Update

A glorious day, and the daisies have popped up almost overnight! Great to see such a swathe of these: they are not only good pollinator plants but also provide some nice tall cover for mammals. The blackthorn has gone over now, as has much of the hawthorn but this late spring does mean the traditional …

Darling Buds of May

Hawthorn I have had a couple of swarm calls and a few bumble/solitary bee queries, but nature seems to be rather on hold at the moment. We've had strong winds and more wet, cold weather but the bees are foraging well when they do get the chance: lots of pale yellow pollen and at least …