Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association

Apiary meeting report, Swanmore – Saturday 11 September

Zara, Phil, Catherine, Louise, Richard, Dawn, Colin, Nicky, Simon, Robin, Tom, Ceri (front row) Tim, George, Rachael, Denise (and Howard behind the camera); the attendees of Meridian’s last apiary meeting of 2021 at Swanmore on Saturday 11 September. Here’s a short film from our last apiary meeting of the season (Saturday 11 September). Although overcast,ContinueContinue reading “Apiary meeting report, Swanmore – Saturday 11 September”

New Forest apiary meeting, 21 August 2021

The heather this year is magnificent. This photo from Richard’s drone (not that kinda drone!) gives an idea of the available forage. “Shall we go or is it best to cancel?” The now familiar pre-apiary meeting phone call. The weather for Ocknell Pond wasn’t looking good, but as we’d cancelled or postponed most of ourContinueContinue reading “New Forest apiary meeting, 21 August 2021”

Save the bees!

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%ContinueContinue reading “Save the bees!”

Itchen Valley photography competition

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the Marmalade fly is a type of Hoverfly. Does anyone know what those other little critter are? 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 areContinueContinue reading “Itchen Valley photography competition”