As I write I see honeybees, working the snowdrops, crocus, hellebores and cyclamen in the garden, evidence they have survived the winter so far and the queen is laying, but please be mindful stores may be short and expanding colonies are at risk of starvation.

Fondant or a thin syrup is normally recommended [ one kg of granulated white sugar to 1.25 litres of water or 1 lb to 1 pint in imperial units [ BBKA March 2024 ] as losses can be high this month and catch us unaware, there is nothing more upsetting than lifting a roof to find a hive has suffered from starvation with all the dead bees upside down, heads deep in the cells, in the search for stores.

The weather has been unpredictable to say the least, one of my apiaries has been flooded, the bees have been placed on breeze blocks now and safe thankfully, I certainly hope none of you have had the same experience and worry. Should your apiary be close to a water course it may be wise to reconsider positioning for next year. A further concern noted in the last few weeks has been woodpeckers causing serious damage, in some cases right through the wooden brood box into the hive, this has been a first for me, so again be alert and apply wiring around the hives if necessary.

Varroa levels -consider checking the daily drop and address as necessary. [The NBU managing Varroa booklet is a supportive resource]

It may be wise to start making frames up ready for wax insertion rather than rushing back to the Bee shed frantically putting together frames when the inevitable swarming season is upon us. I’m sure the bees love catching us out and laugh as we race around increasing our blood pressures.

Check your stock levels and order in or attend the convention at Harper Adams university.

Again, as I write I am conscious that Cathy particularly, is working hard preparing for the new beekeeping course starting this month, we would like to thank her and the team for the dedicated work involved.

You may not have been part of running the new course, but you could certainly really help so much, by offering a little time to mentor one of the new beekeepers within your vicinity. If you can spare that small amount of time, please contact Martin or Cathy emails above. Equally should anybody need ongoing mentorship into this year's beekeeping would you please let Cathy / Martin know so it can be arranged.

Thank you to all the supporters of ‘cleaning the Apiary ‘ recently, many hands as they say…

Asian Hornet Update Cathy has suggested that for your own education would you look at the information and quiz available on the BBKA and NBU sites. This update will be beneficial as it offers a great deal of the basic information necessary for all beekeepers, especially as the season for the queens starting to fly, arrives. Cathy Moore

Keeping the Bees healthy In the human world we aim to care for our health, maintain a balanced diet and keep ourselves and homes clean, we also know stress can be a contributing factor in many diseases and ailments. We also know only too well from Corona Virus that diseases can be spread, by being in crowded warm places or having contact with infected individuals, bees are no different. The condition in the beehive is warm with thousands of little bodies in a moist environment with plenty of micro – organisms present which can cause most of the common diseases in our hives. However, bees have good immunity systems; they produce their own natural antibiotics from bee bread and the work of bacteria in the gut which helps against infections. Propolis is also another component used to defend the hive and bees from disease, so remember this when you purposely scape it off.

• Good husbandry certainly reduces the risk of disease in the apiary and individual hives, so refresh yourself in ways you can help reduce unwanted disease entering your hives.
• Keep your apiaries clean and very tidy, don’t leave dirty equipment lying around.
• Avoid causing stress to the bees by your actions or omissions.
• Monitor the hives at least once or twice a year purely for disease. Take advice if necessary.
• Know what is normal in your hive, especially the unsealed and sealed brood.

All this information can be found in detail in good reference books and an excellent refresher for any beekeeper. Our library holds many books which you are welcome to loan, please ask me should you need any particular book. Gail Plester

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th of March when Douglas Nethercleft gives a talk on Tree species with interest to honey bees.