AbOUT

Towards the end of May 2023 we were fortunate to install a colony of honey bees into a “National” beehive in the Wildflower Garden adjacent to Elham Village Hall. It would appear that the accommodation provided was met with approval and the Queen bee has, since that day, created a very busy hive full of new brood, young workers and lots of worker bees that are pollinating flowers, collecting nectar and pollen. In addition to that several frames of wax have been filled with honey stores so overall a great success. Bees seem to love Elham!

Because of the strength and activity of the hive a decision was made to split it – so 2 colonies were created from 1. The original Queen bee stayed in the first hive and a second Queen bee was “flown” in by Royal Mail from the West Country. Within three days of being in the second hive the new queen was accepted and she started laying new eggs which within a further 21 days became young nursery bees.

A later inspection revealed that the second hive was also doing very well with lots of new brood, bees and honey storage.

A third hive was brought to the apiary in September from another beekeeper who was no longer able to carry on his beekeeping activities.

We are hopeful that all three hives, with careful management, will survive the forthcoming winter and enter the Spring ready to produce lots of new bees and honey from the first crop of interest being Rapeseed.

It may also be possible that we can increase the number of hives in the countryside around the village which would be great news.