After enduring a long, cold winter, we couldn’t resist a return visit to the Read This magazine bees and our knowledgeable host Simon from Bees N Business as the days grow warmer and longer.
Our previous visit was during a barmy August evening, and things were quite different this time around. We traded our shorts and t-shirts for warm jackets and woolly hats and worried about having enough daylight to see. Simon stressed the importance of not opening the hive itself this time around.
As he pointed out and as I’m sure you will all agree, if someone came into your home leaving the front and back doors open and then started moving your furniture around you might be a little bit upset, especially during this time of year.
Located just outside of Helmdon, the hive had been placed in beautiful woods surrounded by trees and fields on our previous visit, providing excellent pollen-collecting opportunities. However, the winter had not been good from a location point of view. An emergency move was required to save our hive from the dangers of an overhanging branch that throughout the winter months strong winds had weakened. Big thanks to Simon for his quick thinking and action in saving the day by moving our hive to a more sheltered but equally ideal location.
As we approached the hive it was noticeably quieter than our last visit, Simon explained that the bees huddled together to keep warm during this time of year. Although opportunities for pollen collection improve as we move into spring, even during the winter months, the bees are still working hard, gathering as much as they can despite the cold.
We watched a few bees return to the hive, but it was nothing like the industry of our last visit, the difference between summer and winter is stark. Simon provided some additional food to ensure that they have everything they needed for the remaining few weeks before their food sources become plentiful again in this beautiful location.
We were able to have a little glimpse inside which was enough for us and we were happy to let them keep warm and keep growing their family for what promises to be a very busy summer ahead.
As always, Simon made sure we were properly equipped and felt safe. Being stung is par for the course in this activity, as I was reminded of during our very first visit when my colleague Neil found my predicament amusing.
This endeavour is a wonderful team exercise for our business, allowing us to build something together with Simon and Bees N Business while enjoying the great outdoors. We’re thrilled to be involved in a project that’s good for our local community, the environment, and for us.
No visit is complete without bringing home a jar of honey. I can’t get enough of it on my toast or in my tea – it’s simply delicious!
I can understand why Simon is so passionate, this truly is a very rewarding and exciting adventure we are on together. I really look forward to visiting each time.
We encourage every local business to contact Simon and build their own hive. www.beesnbusiness.com
We will be back again soon for another visit and can’t wait to see how they are getting on.
