Sustainable beekeeping, chickens, and cake
With the current COVID-19 situation continuing to play out, I am unlikely to be able to offer workshops and courses despite this being the start of the beekeeping year. Thankfully the weather has started to improve here in the UK, and my remaining colonies are now collecting masses of willow pollen, and flying well when … Continue reading Upcoming courses and workshops
The second half of the conference started with a panel discussion and questions from delegates. Topics included: Carbon offsetting in the UK. Of course this doesn't address the issues at source, but for those activities that are not easily adapted such as essential flights or car use, at least having projects in the UK would … Continue reading Landscape Innovation Conference (Part II)
We have had a huge amount of rain here in Sussex - and across the UK - recently, and my house is thankfully situated on higher ground so I am not in immediate danger of inundation, although my garden does get standing water in the sunken section, much to the ducks' delight: https://videopress.com/v/LCtFumti?preloadContent=metadata Further down … Continue reading Floods
Back in August, I had the pleasure of hosting a photoshoot at my house for a publication called Primary Paper, the theme being "Environment". I had warned the photographer, Morgan Hill-Murphy that I had colonies dotted around in a natural setting rather than gangs of hives in rows, and that I wouldn't necessarily be able … Continue reading Primary Paper
The Sourdough Tales workshop with Vicky and me at the wonderful Starnash Farmhouse all about learning about how to make a decent loaf, but also gaining an understanding of the process so you can actually fit it in to your everyday existence, rather than it being a rarified experience to only be tackled when the … Continue reading Sourdough Tales Workshop
Today I met with Paul and Mike to discuss our ongoing plans for hedging on the Marsh. We have applied for some subsidised hedging packs from The Woodland Trust, but we are keen to retain the openness of the landscape, and the saplings have to be protected from stock so we are limited in where … Continue reading Hedges and Ditches at the Marsh
Another hot day - this time at the Solar Farm at Berwick. Yesterday evening I had taken the bees down to the site, ready to be transferred this morning. Travelling at night is easier as it means the bees are kept cool, and they settle overnight ready to head out and orient to their new … Continue reading Thermosolar Bees
I am always keen to meet up with like-minded people, and I love using honeybees as a way of reconnecting people with our environment. I had a meeting last week with Vicky of Starnash Farmhouse B&B, and after coffee, walking and talking around the beautiful surroundings, it was obvious that it would be a perfect … Continue reading Starnash Farmhouse B&B…& Beekeeping
I always enjoy the Introductory courses as it's great to see the wonderment and interest as people begin to understand the workings of a bee colony, but these Intermediate courses are equally enjoyable as it's a chance to evaluate what our bees are doing and share observations on behaviour and experiences. This course gives beekeepers … Continue reading Intermediate Beekeeping Course
There were 5 attendees on this course, who had travelled from across Sussex to learn about how to keep bees sustainably. We start off by discussing the hive itself (I work with Nationals and WBCs), and how the bees operate within it. We don't look inside occupied hives on this course - it's actually much … Continue reading Sustainable Beekeeping course