» Listings for 2017

1. Honey Bees Through The Seasons

   Posted on 2:00pm Wednesday 27th Dec 2017

   WINTER

   It really is a very bleak day here today.  Snow is causing chaos over much of the country.  We’re luckier than most in our patch in Surrey.  We’ve had a little snow, a lot of heavy rain and strong winds.  The sky is grey outside the windows. 

   The Winter Solstice (the shortest day and longest night the year) was last week.  Although I doubt any of us have noticed it yet, the sun is gradually growing in strength and the days are starting to get just a tiny bit longer each day.

   Photo:  Sun rise on the Winter Solstice

   

   During this time the beehives show little or no signs of activity and look abandoned.  However inside is a different story. 

2. Bees in Winter

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 9th Nov 2017

   Up until the last few days most of us have been enjoying a milder than usual autumn, but the last few days have definitely turned colder.  Brrrrrrr

   Photo:  Carder bee foraging on hebe on a sunny afternoon last week

   

   I often get asked what happens to the bees in winter so now seems a good time for a blog about just that.

   The answer is - it depends on which type of bee it is. 

3. An Exciting Find!!!!!!

   Posted on 3:00pm Tuesday 17th Oct 2017

   

   It's a busy week of events and talks this week, but this morning I decided to make the most of a few hours and have a long, autumn walk.  Armed with camera and Bug (my doggy companion) we set off for a  meandering walk.  

   

   It was a glorious morning - autumn sun shine, crisp leaves to crunch through, fungus growing at the foot of trees, a kingfisher darting along the river (to quick to photograph).