Bees talk to flowers. Talk isn't strictly correct, as this is not verbal communication, but communicate they definitely do. And if we witnessed the conversation, we would think of it as talking. Plants carry a very weak negative electrical charge, because although they are rooted in the ground and are therefore earthed, they are exposed … Continue reading More on Plants, Pollination and Bees
Tag: Sustainable beekeeping
Intermediate Beekeeping Course
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
First flights
It was a positively balmy 10ΛC this morning, and returning home from running errands, I noticed the snowdrops are also out in number, and the crocuses are endeavouring to get their heads up and catch some of the fleeting sunshine. Tiny hazel flowers hold enough nectar to tempt an insect in need of sustenance. I … Continue reading First flights
Sustainable 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
Squash court bees
I rescued these bees with a friend of mine from the panelling of a wall in a social club that was going be demolished, on April 10th, 2016. It was a cold day and a bit drizzly, and the location of the colony was near the car park for a popular bridleway/public footpath, and it … Continue reading Squash court bees
Introduction to Sustainable Beekeeping
Would you like to know how to keep bees sustainably, on a small scale? Many people would like a colony of honeybees in their garden, and on this course I will show you how a hive works, and how to keep your bees happy and healthy with minimal intervention. Topics covered include:What type of hiveWhere … Continue reading Introduction to Sustainable Beekeeping
New course dates
It's that time of year! I will be offering both an Introduction to Sustainable Beekeeping, and an Intermediate course. The introductory course is for those who are interested in learning the principles of beekeeping in a way which is sympathetic to the bees' natural instincts. It is a good course too for those who are … Continue reading New course dates
Refresher/intermediate beekeeping course
This course is designed for people who have either attended the Introductory course and would like more information, or those who already keep bees and need to understand more advanced management techniques and methods, but within the ethical/sustainable framework. This course is also aimed at those who have been keeping bees conventionally but would like … Continue reading Refresher/intermediate beekeeping course
Summer vs Winter honey
How and when bees store honey alters the composition and taste. In conventional beekeeping, all the honey from the preceding season is taken in late summer/early autumn, and the bees fed a sugar syrup to replenish their stores. I don't do this. Instead, I take honey little and often through the summer and leave the … Continue reading Summer vs Winter honey
Beeswax wraps
Honeybees produce wax from glands in their abdomen, and their combs are a vitally important part of the colony's life, being a place to live, communicate and raise their young as well as store their honey and pollen supplies. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and collective work to form the wax cells, and … Continue reading Beeswax wraps