Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association

Our end of season apiary tidy took place today and luckily, the rain (just about) held off! Thank you very much everyone who gave up their time to take part. Louise went through the hives with Catherine and Lisa and found everything to be more or less in order. The colonies seemed strong with anContinue reading “Apiary tidy”

Here’s a short film from our last apiary meeting of the season (Saturday 11 September). Although overcast, it was a warm, dry day and the bees were very calm! Thanks to them for being on their best behaviour and thank you to Denise, Robin and Louise for leading the inspections and to Zara, Tom andContinue reading “Apiary meeting report, Swanmore – Saturday 11 September”

Pollinators are responsible for one in three of every mouthful we eat. They pollinate our crops, and are essential to the very existence of the plants and trees that support our wild animals and birds. Honeybees in managed hives are responsible for up to 15% of the UK’s insect-pollinated crops. That means the other 85%Continue reading “Save the bees!”

Here’s Esm’ee McConnell’s photograph. I think you’ll agree, it’s a definite winner! Esm’ee’s hoping her picture raises awareness in her age group, highlighting that hoverflies won’t hurt you (they have no stings) and are important pollinators and predators of garden pests. Esm’ee took her picture while walking in one of her favourite places, Itchen ValleyContinue reading “Itchen Valley photography competition”

For many Hampshire beekeepers, the wet weather earlier in the season held back our bees but with a bit of luck, you’ll still have taken a bit of honey at the end of last month. If you didn’t manage a harvest, let’s hope your bees have stored sufficient to see them through winter. One bitContinue reading “Autumn in the apiary”

Reusing comb saves the bees time and energy compared to drawing out new foundation. However it’s a good idea to sterilise comb before reuse. Acetic acid can be used in late autumn or winter to sterilise combs against Nosema, chalkbrood and wax moth but it’s better to burn particularly blackened brood comb. What about superContinue reading “Fumigating Comb with Acetic Acid”

I was first introduced to beekeeping in 2013 by my employer, who wanted to build our business biodiversity and events opportunities. I took a basic beekeeping course and what began as a skill acquired for work purposes quickly became a passion. One that my whole family has become involved in. I was thrown in atContinue reading “Robin on mentoring”

Here is a 35 minute presentation by Kirsty Stainton on the most commonly found bee viruses in the UK including Sacbrood, Chronic Bee Paralysis and Deformed Wing Virus. The talk shows how to identify these viruses and what to do if you find them. Kirsty is a post-doctoral research scientist working at the Pirbright Institute.Continue reading “Common bee viruses and what you need to know”

The easiest way to find your way is using What3Words:olive.months.galloped This will take you directly to the car park and picnic area. Ocknell Pond can also be found using maps on most mobile devices. The OS grid reference (for Satnav) is SU235117 Old school From Southampton take the westbound M27 and leave at exit 1Continue reading “Directions to Ocknell Pond”