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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!”

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”

2023 was a year of mixed fortunes. Some years, bees in the Meridian area are active from the end of February but this year, they didn’t really get going until the end of March. However, in April, May and June the weather was generally favourable and if you were lucky enough to have colonies withContinueContinue 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 superContinueContinue reading “Fumigating Comb with Acetic Acid”

Robin and his son Nat, having just closed-up the hives. Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxon. 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.ContinueContinue reading “Robin on mentoring”