There is a time of year which every beekeeper is waiting earnestly for, which has fear and excitement in equal measure, and marks the true start of their new year. It is of course the start of the beekeeping year usually around April/May in the UK. After a long winter, as the weather warms and everything blossoms the bees come back to life. Well, at least you hope they do as you always worry that the colony might not have made it. It’s got to be one of my best moments in beekeeping… seeing the bees buzzing around for the first time in Spring.
I opened my hives for the first time this year just a couple of weeks ago. I had prepared 5 hives for the winter and had full hope that they would make it through. One of the main challenges is ensuring the hives have enough food stores. But I don’t feed my bees sugar syrup as I prefer to leave them with plenty of their own honey to feed on. It’s more natural and that’s how I like to keep it.
Sadly, as I opened my favourite hive I realised my loss. They didn’t make it. They were such gentle bees and a pleasure to keep. After having nurtured and supported the colony over time you grow with them and get to know them so it’s a big deal. In stark contrast, one of the hives I attempted to open was so aggressive I couldn’t open the hive! Fortunately the rest of the colonies were healthy 🙂
Through the highs and lows of beekeeping there is so much to learn about nature and our place in it. Beekeeping, like medicine, is a discipline that exposes you to life and death. It teaches you how to identify problems and challenges you to resolve them. In beekeeping, as in life, you learn where problems are left unresolved things only get worse. And there is always something new to discover!
Over the beekeeping season, I’ll keep you updated with my colonies and I’ll share with you how I manage my bee problems. If you’ve got any questions just leave a message and I’ll get back to you. In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful weather and have plenty of honey before the hay fever season starts!