Flowering Currant

Today was lovely and sunny again. The bees were all flying well and I was forced to drag myself away from the hive entrances on many occasions throughout the day. I noticed that our Spring flowering currant bushes are all in flower (both red and white) and this is a guide to when the first inspections may be carried out- though this year I feel it may be a week or two too early; much as I would love to!

Nearer and Nearer!

The weather this week has seen the girls flying, I could just sit and watch all day (how sad!). I have requested a hive on the patio at home, that way I can sit and watch the bees and my wife can sit and watch me!! Some chance.
Not too long now, I am getting really excited (as I always do this time of year) about the season ahead; more so this year because of what I have learnt over the winter and what I have done over the winter....

Nice To See You..

To See You Nice! What a beautiful day, sunny and mild and all my colonies were out flying, so good to see and reassuring. All were busy bringing back pollen loads ranging from orange to a pearly white.

Itching!

The sun and the warmth it brings gives a hint that Spring may be on its way. The Crocus are in bloom and the bees can be seen busy at the hive entrances. I am excited about the coming season and the new ideas I have to try, I can't wait to get started! Patience!!

I Say Again....

What matters most are the bees. One of the biggest problems facing the bees is the bee keeper! Their methods and teachings are designed to suit the bee keeper not the bees. There are alternative ways to help the bees but these are scoffed at because science cannot explain them (at present) and the various associations in beekeeping refuse to budge from the norm!

Brrrr!

Ecosystem Services

The Guardian reports on the economic and social value of nature:
"If we didn't have flowering plants in rivers, for instance, they'd become faster flowing, flooding would occur more frequently and water quality would decrease".
So who is key to this eco-system and vital for pollination of such plants?