Rescuing Bees In Norwood

I'm off to Norwood to save some bees from a roof. The roof of the building is being repaired and I have been contacted to safely remove and rehouse them. I'll see if I can take a few photos and post them tonight!

BBC Newsnight

I was just called by a researcher for BBC Newsnight. They are doing a piece on CCD and the decline of British bees. I will keep you posted as to the out come.

Honey Shop in full speed.

I've been very aware of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) in the US, but reports from my beekeeping friends here around the country this year tells another story. Many have had wonderful harvests with their bees going from strength to strength.

This year I have been called out to remove swarms of honeybees like that of ten years ago. This tells me that bees are healthy, growing and multiplying to such a size that swarming is triggered. I made divides in the spring and they are strong now and gathering honey. Its a sign that we are doing something right here in England. 

And well done to all you hobbyist beekeepers out there. I applaud your hard work, devotion to your craft and helping to safeguard the survival of our honeybees.

photo copyright 2008 ©-The Hive Honey Shop

Fresh Pollen, our traps are full!

photo copyright 2008 ©-The Hive Honey Shop

Here is one of our National Pollen Traps. There is nothing like the taste of fresh pollen. You can smell the sweet honey/blossom aroma as you near the hive. The trap drawer is accessed via the back of the hive. No need to get in protective gear. Just pull the drawer out and empty. I freeze the pollen and use it in our HayfeGUARD product. I eat spoons full each day. Lovely taste!

If you use a trap, only keep the trap on for 10 days and then remove. Your bees will have noticed the lack of pollen coming in and will recruit a large number of bees to become pollen gathers. Once the trap is removed you will get a big influx of pollen coming in, which will compensate for the amount you removed, weather permitting. Spring is a great time to put traps on.

July Honey Harvest

It's sunny weather and we've been out at 'Bee Heaven Farm' gathering honey. My Son of 9 is a big help! He supervises and is quality control. I have a mix of hives, this one is a Langstoff hive. The bees have done well this year, strong, healthy and gathering 3-4 supers of honey each! Like I always say, look after your bees well and they will look after you!






photo copyright 2008 ©-The Hive Honey Shop