Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association

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 of us, the wet weather earlier in the year 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 and ifContinue reading “Autumn in the apiary”

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”

Here are the latest reports from Swanmore on the progress of our apiary. As of 9 August, four of our five colonies are between queens following recent swarms and splits. Fingers crossed that all colonies will be queen-right by the end of the month so they can concentrate on their winter preparations! Hive 5 (George’s)Continue reading “Swanmore apiary report – August 2021”

This year’s Asian Hornet week is 6-10 September. It’s purpose is to increase public awareness around this invasive species with the aim of encouraging people to learn how to identify it, remain vigilant for its presence and to report it if seen. If the Asian Hornet becomes established in the UK it would wreck havocContinue reading “Asian Hornet Week 2021”