Blogs

The new shed is now erected and most of the contents of the ABC have been moved into it, the old ABC needs decoration. Tilman's plan is that the decoration should be on the weekend of 15th and 16th October when the ABC will be fully redecorated and the new floor tiles will be laid. On 2nd October we have to dust and clean all the surfaces ready for painting that weekend. The jobs needed will be removal of the remaining contents of the ABC to the shed and dust, hoover and clean all the surfaces that are to be painted.

Vespa velutina, the Asian Hornet, sightings have been confirmed in Gloucestershire. The hornets have been established in France since accidental introduction and have a habit of catching honey bees as they emerge from a hive and killing large numbers.

A bio-blitz is a short, sharp but thorough study and recording of all flora and fauna of an environment. Typically done over a 24-hour period, we’re doing a shortened version just on Saturday morning, but including checking some traps set up the evening before. It’s a way of identifying and recording the biodiversity of a habitat, and giving us a much greater understanding of the ecology of our apiary.

Annual honey show coming up very soon, Bank Holiday Monday at Headstone Manor. Just about time to get last minute entries in to the Harrow in Leaf secretary at time of writing. Volunteers still needed, especially for setup and clearing after on the last list circulated. Members can also sell honey. Volunteers or honey sales, see the recent email circulations and contact Salmaan asap.

It's that time of the years again. Varroa treatment after honey harvest is highly recommended to reduce the mite load going into autumn when the bees are trying to raise healthy bees that will be resident over winter. Treatments are available at reasonable cost and per hive quantities from Brian at the apiary on Sundays (except 3rd Sunday in the month).

The shed has landed. We don't get improvements unless we do it ourselves, so Tilman is looking for volunteers. Next step is to decant the ABC to the new shed so that a fresh lick of paint and replacement floor tiles can bring the interior up to match the new roof cover. See the email for details; the idea is to arrange some painting parties in October.

Any HBKA member interested in looking at pollen and making slides of pollen samples, Danuta and Jo will be at the apiary from 10 until 12 on Sat 16th July. If you have a compound microscope then you are welcome to come along and bring it too. There will need to be a limit of 15 maximum so it will be those who make contact first. Priority will be given to those who have not been able to attend other sessions before or those with microscopes who are hoping to take the interest further.

HBKA Annual Honey Show 2016 is again part of the Harrow in Leaf show, which is in turn part of Headstone Village Show at Headstone Manor on Bank Holiday Monday 29th August. The full show schedule is downloadable from the Harrow in Leaf show website and includes the honey and wax entries.

Next up at the apiary is the second hand equipment sale. starting 11 am on 22nd May. Then the Social Evening on 18th June from 4.30 pm. Bring family and friends and a dish to share. Soft Drinks provided. Contact Carole Adams, who would appreciate knowing whether your dish is sweet or savoury. Check the diary page or subscribe to the ical feed.

Next up in the apiary education sessions is John House on Swarm Prevention, 7 May at 11 am. Swarming is ever popular among the bees this time of year, a few precautions and knowing what to do when they start anyway is what you need.