Buzz about the Apiary

October to March are months when the bees will be tightly clustered to keep warm. They will have built up their fat stores to see them through the winter. They will often stock up with Ivy Honey, so you might still see them on the Ivy along with other insects. Ivy honey is a hard crystalised honey with a medicinal taste and smell, but many people find it pleasant and healing.

Last winter was very warm so you will have seen bees foraging on Mahonia, snowdrops and crocuses as Spring approached. Let’s see what this winter brings.

Beekeepers will be trying to ensure that the bees do not run out of stores so they will feed sugar fondant when necessary; this will be used up to keep the bees alive and does not end up in the new season’s honey