Meeting the bees

Observing the entrance

 We have just run this year's second Natural Beekeeping course here at Embercombe.

The course intends to inspire and inform people about bee-first natural beekeeping. People leave feeling confident and ready to take their next steps to support the honeybee - whether that involves setting up their own hives, planting some bee-friendly plants, or just spreading the word.

The sun came out on sunday and we were able to spend a good amount of time with the hives in the garden. We spent time observing the bees at the entrances... watching the many workers laden with pollen on their legs coming home after a foraging trip. There were also a large number of drones (male bees) around both hives, but particularly 'light' hive, which we had found out the previous day, is superseding. This involves replacing the older queen with a new one, so the unborn virgin queen is likely to be attracting the drones to the hive.
It is a good idea to observe the activity around the hives before checking inside. You can tell a lot about what's going on inside the hive from what you see at the entrance. Pollen being brought in tells you they are likely to be raising young (bee larvae eat pollen). Ordered, steady activity suggests all is well in the colony.

Participant holding comb from the topbar hive

The sunny weather meant we could have a peek into both topbar hives, and even a look inside one of our conventional dadant hives which is being run naturally. Most participants on the course said that the time with the hives was one of the most inspiring aspects of the course.

Beekeeping course around the hives

We had a brilliant and varied weekend, and we love to share our passion, experience and knowledge and to invite people to come and meet the bees.
Some participant feedback includes...

 "really lovely, inspiring and accessible weekend. I feel much more confident to start beekeeping now."

 "I had a fantastic weekend and feel I have been given enough info to have a good go at my first hive".

If you are interested in attending one of our natural beekeeping courses, please click here.