Beekeeping with Harold Williams
THE BEEKEEPING YEAR is well under way now and, as with every other year, it is the weather that dominates all proceedings.
Spring was a long time in coming and the somewhat variable conditions meant that several colonies had to be helped along by feeding them with a syrup that tided them over until nectar bearing blooms started to appear.
The rain and low temperatures in May saw a slowing down of egg production by the Queens but with the onset of dryer and warmer conditions as we slipped into June, things really got underway. The Queens are now laying some 2,000 (yes 2,000) eggs a day and with this increase, a population explosion has ensued and swarming has really taken off.
Giving the colonies more room by way of adding an extra box can sometimes check the impulse to swarm but swarming is how the bees ensure the survival of their species. It is a natural part of their lifecycle.
Covid 19 has brought about definite changes to our beekeeping training sessions but several hands-on events have taken place and thanks to excellent weather, our beginners did get to grips with colony inspections and equipment handling.
The new ownership of Fonmon Castle has meant moving the apiary to a new location. It is still on the estate grounds as the new owners are very keen to have bees on their land.
In fact, the new site was purpose built for me by the new owners. All I had to do was to move the bees from their original location over the winter period.
Honeybees do not hibernate, but shorter days and cooler periods mean that the winter bees do not venture out as much as their summer sisters but even so, moving takes place in the evening when any flying bees have returned to their own hive and settled for the night. A securing strap around the hive and a strip of foam to seal the entrance allows for safe transport to the new location.
Will I get any honey this season? Things are looking promising but the welfare of each colony is the prime concern of the beekeeper. A visit from the bee inspector occurred earlier this year and I have a clean bill of health. The inspector is a government official and has the full authority of the law over any colonies he or she is aware of.
