Blog Post
Bonne année!
- by Thirteen Bees
- •
- 11 Jan, 2019
- •
Looking forward to beekeeping in 2019
Happy New Year! Even though it's chilly and grey outside, we've been busy planning for this year's coming beekeeping season. It's been fun looking at all the photographs of the course attendees who visited in 2018, as well as it being great to see pictures of busy bees and blue skies. Each pot of honey we have is sunshine in a jar, and we can't wait for Spring to arrive so we can work with the hives again.
Regular readers of this blog, as well as people who have visited us, will know that we have a major problem with Asian hornets. It would be fantastic if we didn't see them ever again, but we have to be realistic and are prepared to start trapping them and generally dissuading them from preying on our bees. Attendees on our courses last year will have seen first-hand what a nuisance the hornets are, and what a real threat they are to our bees. As a result of our experiences we have decided to share what we have learned, and to offer practical sessions on identifying hornets and their nests, and on the different methods of trapping them. We would love for these courses to be unnecessary but unfortunately, due to the rapid spread of the hornets across Europe (and possibly the UK in the next year) we know that they will be a lot of use to other beekeepers, new and old.
As well as the 'Get to know your enemy' (!) sessions we will again be offering a selection of beekeeping courses this year. If you are thinking about becoming a beekeeper but aren't sure what it entails, then we have afternoon taster sessions where you'll find out what bees need and how you can help them, together with practical sessions involving learning about the equipment and how to use it, culminating in time at the hives where you'll come face-to-face with our bees. Refreshments are included, as is all the protective clothing and equipment - just bring your enthusiasm!
If you have decided that you definitely want to take up beekeeping then we can help! Our residential and non-residential 3-day and 5-day courses cover basic theory along with plenty of 'hive-time' to build up your confidence on working with bees. Both courses cover the same topics but the longer course allows for more questions to be asked (and hopefully answered!) as well as a little more time with the bees. For the fully residential courses all meals are provided, and lunches are provided on the non-residential courses.
There's lots more information about our courses on our website, along with the prices and available dates. It's essential to book - just call or email us - and, as bees are living creatures, please understand that we have to be flexible if there are any issues around weather or their health/temperament. We look forward to seeing you here at 13 Bees in 2019, and are excited to meet anyone who wants to know more about bees!
Regular readers of this blog, as well as people who have visited us, will know that we have a major problem with Asian hornets. It would be fantastic if we didn't see them ever again, but we have to be realistic and are prepared to start trapping them and generally dissuading them from preying on our bees. Attendees on our courses last year will have seen first-hand what a nuisance the hornets are, and what a real threat they are to our bees. As a result of our experiences we have decided to share what we have learned, and to offer practical sessions on identifying hornets and their nests, and on the different methods of trapping them. We would love for these courses to be unnecessary but unfortunately, due to the rapid spread of the hornets across Europe (and possibly the UK in the next year) we know that they will be a lot of use to other beekeepers, new and old.
As well as the 'Get to know your enemy' (!) sessions we will again be offering a selection of beekeeping courses this year. If you are thinking about becoming a beekeeper but aren't sure what it entails, then we have afternoon taster sessions where you'll find out what bees need and how you can help them, together with practical sessions involving learning about the equipment and how to use it, culminating in time at the hives where you'll come face-to-face with our bees. Refreshments are included, as is all the protective clothing and equipment - just bring your enthusiasm!
If you have decided that you definitely want to take up beekeeping then we can help! Our residential and non-residential 3-day and 5-day courses cover basic theory along with plenty of 'hive-time' to build up your confidence on working with bees. Both courses cover the same topics but the longer course allows for more questions to be asked (and hopefully answered!) as well as a little more time with the bees. For the fully residential courses all meals are provided, and lunches are provided on the non-residential courses.
There's lots more information about our courses on our website, along with the prices and available dates. It's essential to book - just call or email us - and, as bees are living creatures, please understand that we have to be flexible if there are any issues around weather or their health/temperament. We look forward to seeing you here at 13 Bees in 2019, and are excited to meet anyone who wants to know more about bees!
Evidence of wax cappings underneath the hive show that the bees are accessing the honey stores - and so they're alive!
A summary of what we have tried this year to combat the threat of Asian hornets to our bees
Making quilt boxes for bee hives in an attempt to absorb excess moisture over the winter
An update on how the hive muzzles are working to deter Asian hornets from preying on our bees
How we cut out a nest of bees from a window sill and moved them to their new home at 13 Bees
The Hozelock campaign to encourage people to plant flowers for pollinating insects, and enter a prize draw where the main prize is a holiday at 13 Bees
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Updated May 2024