Bee Scene : 39 Scotland – North East
Our correspondent reports that thus far the winter has not delivered the familiar harsh weather pattern associated with this part of the British Isles, with the climate being relatively mild. Bees have been venturing out on the warmer days with crocuses and snowdrops well into bloom. However, gorse, an important plant in this region, is not yet fl owering.
Bee clusters look in good shape after their winter oxalic acid treatments. The MAQS® strips proved popular as a summer/early autumn treatment.
Autumn beginners’ classes again were full and local association membership numbers remain very strong.
Scotland – North West
The fi erce winter gales that battered the north west of Scotland during December and January were the most dramatic events of, what has otherwise been, a mild winter here. The little snow that is remaining at the time of reporting is confi ned to the mountain tops. Colonies look in good shape with no reported losses thus far. Bees have been foraging on milder days, our correspondent reporting that such was the activity on 5 February it was akin to swarming. Gorse, snowdrops and viburnum are in bloom, all being attractive to bees. Winter mite treatments are well completed, hives remain heavy with stores of heather honey (from the excellent 2014 crop) but fondant packs are also in place.
Scotland – West
A prolonged spell of wet weather hung over the region for some time, followed by
April 2015 Vol 97 No 4 ROUND UP FROM THE REGIONS Bee Scene John Hoskin, Director, Bee Craft Ltd
Nineteen new Bee Craft correspondents around the British Isles have sent in a report about the beekeeping scene in their areas. John Hoskin has compiled them into this report.
General S ituation: January to mid February
At the time of writing, our correspondents appear on the positive side regarding winter survival rates, colonies on single brood boxes generally having 6–7 seams of bees. In most areas, the milder start to February allowed that all important early pollen to be gathered. The weather patterns were probably the most severe in the north west of Scotland, where near hurricane force winds in early January caused problems. Likewise, parts of Kent and East Anglia experienced cold winds and heavy frosts. No region has yet reported any large scale losses. Use of the MAQS® varroa treatment is becoming popular in the warmer months, with oxalic acid the preferred treatment at the turn of the year. The continued large-scale plantings of oilseed rape raise the prospect of an early crop where colonies have built up to suffi cient strength. Generally, there seems to be no decrease in the numbers attending beginners’ courses, beekeeping workshops and association meetings. Locally produced honey is available as a result of the excellent 2014 harvest and is commanding a good price at retail outlets, delicatessens and health-food stores.
frosty nights and dry days. Brighter days are now coming in, allowing the bees to take their fi rst fl ights of 2015. However, our correspondent reports that no pollen has been seen going into hives. Snowdrops and crocuses are now appearing, more especially in suburban gardens. Oilseed rape is not a feature of our correspondent’s beekeeping year, although there may be plantings around the Kirkintilloch area. Beekeepers are hoping that colonies build up well enough to take advantage of the sycamore nectar fl ow
later in the season. Association meetings are fairly well attended, with basic beginners’ hands-on courses starting in April.
Scotland – Central
Colonies in the central belt are looking very good thus far, with only a small number of losses reported. The central Scottish winter has been relatively mild with only the occasional layer of thin snow. On the day of reporting, the temperature reached 7 °C, allowing the bees to fl y in great numbers, bringing in early pollen.
There is a fairly large acreage of oilseed rape grown throughout the region. Snowdrops, crocuses and gorse are available pollen sources on the warmer days. Winter mite reduction measures have been carried out in most apiaries but there are reports of high varroa counts. Fondant packs are becoming the norm even if there are ample stores around the brood. Edinburgh Beekeepers’ Association had a disaster at their association apiary when a gale blew down a tree which demolished several hives. Local association meetings are well attended and beginners’ classes are busy with new beekeepers.
Small amounts of honey
remain in the hands of small- scale beekeepers. Local blossom prices are in the £3.50–5.00 per lb range, with heather slightly higher. Beekeepers are busy servicing equipment for the coming season and studying suppliers’ catalogues for future needs.
England – North East
Our correspondent describes the north east as having had a ‘proper winter’; dry, cold, bright, sunny days throughout the last couple of months. Approximately two inches of snow fell at times but is now melted apart from on the higher moorland. The majority of colonies are still well-clustered. However, these look to be a good size for this time of the season. Snowdrops, crocuses, gorse and alder are in bloom. Hazel catkins were out but are now described as ‘gone over’. Large areas of oilseed rape have been planted throughout the region possibly giving colonies a chance of early build up (season and colony strength permitting).
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Map: Captain Blood
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