It was a warm, wet January with ten sunny days but I couldn’t get to my colonies and was reduced to external checks only. All colonies were taking in plenty of pollen indicating queens were already laying. By putting in and removing varroa boards a week later and then examining the drop of pollen andContinueContinue reading “Louise: reflections on 2022”
Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association
Marking your queen
Queens emerging in 2023 will be marked Red There are good reasons for marking your queen. Not only does it make it easier to spot her in a busy colony and allows you to keep track of her age, but it helps you determine that the queen you’re looking at is the same queen youContinueContinue reading “Marking your queen”
Christmas dinner 2022
If you’re not on the list, you’re not coming in!
Watch this short film to see the fascinating behaviour of guard bees. They move forward to ‘greet’ incoming bees (or possibly other insects like wasps) and very quickly, make a decision about whether the newcomer is friend or foe. Friends are allowed to pass and others are quickly repelled. What is going on bottom right?ContinueContinue reading “If you’re not on the list, you’re not coming in!”
Hampshire Beekeepers’ Honey Show
The Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association Honey Show 2022 will be held at The Great Hall, Winchester on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October. The 13th-century aisled hall was once part of Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror. The 750 year old Round Table dominating the Hall has been linked to the ancient legends of KingContinueContinue reading “Hampshire Beekeepers’ Honey Show”
Meridian Beekeepers’ Association 