The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than our native European hornet which is beneficial to our environment. The Asian hornet appears almost entirely dark (especially when viewed from above) and has these characteristic yellow legs. It's important to know the difference between the Asian hornet and our European one. This year's Asian Hornet week isContinue reading "Asian Hornet Week 2023"

Denise and grandson Atlas Our apiary and meadow at West End is doing better now. Progress earlier in the season was hampered by the wet May and June; a story sadly reflected in the beekeeping of many this year. The colonies were inspected on Wednesday (28 July) by Denise and Richard, ably assisted by oneContinue reading "West End apiary"

Kirsten, Chris, Dawn, Barbro, Simon, Louise, John and Colin; some of the attendees at the apiary meeting. Saturday 17 July Our planned 10 July apiary meeting was cancelled due to rain but rescheduled for the following Saturday. We're sorry if you couldn't make it at short notice but we knew the bees needed checking soContinue reading "Apiary meeting, Swanmore, 17 July 2021"

Ten days ago, on Sunday 4 July, Howard and I answered a swarm call from Botley. When we arrived, we were pleased to discover a reasonably-sized swarm had obligingly settled conveniently close to the ground; ‘this is going to be a doodle’ we thought! It was an easy enough job to collect the bees; they’dContinue reading "Lisa: a comedy of errors"

Here's a few more photographs from the practical day at Swanmore on Saturday 26 June 2021. Thank you Ailia for the beautiful pictures.