Bumblebees, solitary bees and honey bees, lets keep them all buzzing!
Whereas I have spent time studying wild bees in gardens and how to attract them, beekeepers have to have much more knowledge and experience. The visit earned my total respect for dedicated beekeepers! Honey bees require time and effort, a little like tending livestock as honeybees do produce a crop which is harvested. We in the UK are the 3rd largest importer of honey products in the world. We only produce 20% of our consumption at home.
Bumblebees, solitary bees and honey bees are all in trouble, likely through our actions, one way or another. They need our help, albeit in different ways. They don’t ask for our help but if we fail to act we may regret it in the very nest future.
Visit the National Beekeeping Centre Wales. Include it in your trip to Bodnant Gardens or Bodnant Welsh Food.
There is also British Beekeeping Association founded in 1874
Wonderful, they are fascinating. Sorry not been in touch, lot going on but much calmer now so will be in touch very soon. Off to cornwall on Sat. for a week will ring when we get back. Love E
Enjoy yourselves 🙂 G x
is that you George??
It is Joan! Very interesting and boy do beekeepers work for their honey!! Hope you get your funding! 🙂
Hi George,
Looks like an experience you’ll remember. We visited Chainbridge Honey Farm near Berwick on Tweed last summer, a fascinating place with excellent exhibition and tour of factory (not open on the day we went). I’ve noticed that while bumblebee numbers are right down (again) this year, honey bees are relatively plentiful (especially on Rosemary and Choisya) in our garden here. I guess this may be because of the shelter and care provided by their keepers.
Best wishes
Kit
Hi Kit,Yes I am amazed at the patience and knowledge of honeybee keepers….so much effort for a little honey! Give me wild bees anytime. I liken them to being pedigrees that need tending love and care whereas a mongrel just gets on with life!! Cheers George