On another barmy August evening, we set off for the countryside, our vehicle was full of excitement knowing that it had been 3 months since Read This magazine and Bees N Business began our partnership. For the first time, we were going to see our hive.
But it was even more exciting than that, we are moving the Read This Bees to their new home.
A spacious 5 bedroom house complete with swimming pool, Gym and close to all local amenities.
Well of course the last sentence is not quite true, but in terms of location, this must be the Bee equivalent.
The location just outside of Helmdon is where our Bees moved out of their old starter hive and into their amazing new home.
They could not be in a better place, a beautiful setting close to an orchard and surrounded by trees and fields that will provide the pollen as they grow in the coming years.
A few months ago our Bees started as a tiny swarm. Now numbering some 20,000 they have outgrown their starter hive and need to be in a warmer, stronger and safer hive as we move into the colder months of the year.
The evening is a wonderful time to visit, the Bees were on their way home after a busy day collecting pollen, it’s incredible to see the huge chunks of pollen they can carry back to the hive. We were amazed that they can fly with such a large package on board, it’s hardly surprising that a few of the Bees stop for a much-needed rest at the door of the hive.
When we opened the hive you could see just how busy they have been. Each of the frames within the hive had been built out and were buzzing with activity. The honey they have produced so far will be used throughout the winter for them to feed on and grow.
The process of moving to the new hive is quite simple, the frames from the older hive are transferred into the new hive importantly keeping the frames in the same order as they were before as well as keeping the new hive in the same place as the old one.
This means that despite the upheaval of the move there is a feeling of the familiar both within the new hive and in terms of location.
We ensure that any remaining Bees in the old hive are not forgotten and moved across. Finally, we add a few more frames for them to grow into over the coming months.
Bees N Business now has several relationships with businesses in the local area and this initiative is proving to be a great success.
Simon is so passionate about Bees and we know our Bee family is in safe hands. His knowledge and experience has kept us safe during our visits ensuring that we are correctly equipped and of course, the key dos and don’ts list which won’t keep you from being stung as one of us experienced last time but will minimise the likelihood.
We here at Read This magazine are delighted to be involved with a project that is great for the local community and environment while offering some incredible learning and team-building experiences.
We encourage every business locally to contact Simon and get building your very own hive. We will be dropping honey in our teas and spreading it on our toast before we know it and hope that you and your business will join us.
We will be back again soon for another visit and can’t wait to see how they are getting on.
