Category Archives: Natural Beekeeping

I have received notification from the NBU that EFB has been discovered within 3 km of my apiary (in central London). I have two hives a metre apart with vegetative barriers between them to hinder drifting. I took honey off … Continue reading →

My bees died this winter. I suspected the colony was dead/dying because there was a build up of dead bees outside the hive and in the floor of the hive. When they didn’t start flying in the spring I peered … Continue reading →

Further to last years posting (September), I have recently suffered another anaphylaxis incident, following a bee sting on my neck. This was more serious than last year (I was unconscious) and the doctor has told me that another incident could … Continue reading →

A Government study by their agency Fera into neonic use has been published today. Buglife have taken a look behind the spin of the official press release and conclude that the study shows three key results: A clear relationship across … Continue reading →

I have been contacted by someone in the Cheltenham area who has a top bar hive (with bees) looking for a good home.  If you are interested please email:  hazel bolton (at) g mail (dot) com (reconstruct the email leaving … Continue reading →

The first harvest results of winter oilseed rape planted without neonicotinoid seed treatments have come in, and farmers are experiencing a better than usual crop – yields are higher than the 10 year average. ADAS, the UK’s largest independent agricultural … Continue reading →

For about a week now my horizontal top bar hive has been under siege by wasps and, more recently, by hornets.  I reduced the 3 entrances to 1 and then reduced the size of that single entrance.  I’ve cautiously put … Continue reading →

Chemical giant Bayer has failed in its attempt to sue Friends of the Earth Germany over its claims that its pesticide Thiacloprid harms bees. Now pressure is growing on the EU to add the neonicotinoid to the three already banned.  … Continue reading →

Many of you will have seen my previous post on the Flow Hive and those of you who agree with the views expressed need read no further. However, any beekeeper who spends time on the internet or reads newspapers  will … Continue reading →

This series of articles is about the overlooked world of tiny insects around us, what they do for us, and the challenges they face, particularly bees.  …. More here. Gareth, Cotswolds