Although the bees are clustered & nothing to see on the outside activity is still going on inside! Most colonies will have a small section of brood & one or two will be feeding on those patties.

On a morning like this with the sun shining it’s time to think about the season ahead. Swarms, splits, hives & of course honey!

I’m going to make a couple of changes in the hive department...
Only 2, 14x12. One on its own & one in a wbc. This is because the frames are heavy for the ladies & children.

2 langstroth hives as we have a few members with flow hives. I like the langstroth frames because l find they are easier to scan with the eye. However I’m not keen on the shot lugs and the fact we can’t put an outer casing on like the wbc. I think the double skin has a lot of advantages.

Rest will be nationals.

All have solid floors apart from our poly hive. Not a fan of this hive but we need it for demonstrating.

All hives will be split at the end of April & therefore have 50% new frames replacement.
For Nationals dn5 deep & for the super (half brood) sn5. Different to our honey supers which are mainly.

Our breeder queens will have a super of sections is it’s half brood. This is to supply members with eggs/ larva for queen rearing.

Other jobs
fence needs to be mended, paving needs to be laid down.

Help Wanted
We are looking for outlets for our honey as we have about 500 jars.

Our school & scout programs are being steadily booked up. I believe Katy is going to assist with this along with Joanne & myself.

Beginners course is slowly filling up along with reservations for our nucs at £175.

Fruit trees grafting in March.
Contact Elizabeth or Joanne to reserve a place. We have added a plum rootstock this year.