After a fascinating introductory talk about the ecology and life cycle of the Honeybee (Apis mellifera) beehive, we got suited up and ready for some firsthand experience of opening and monitoring the health of our own designated beehive. During our investigation, we were able to identify the different “types” of honeybees in the hive: drones, workers, and the Queen, who was not only noticeably larger than her cohort, wore a red splash of painted colour to mark her out from the crowd.
Other highlights of the day were a honey tasting session, sampling a wide variety of honeys from both the UK and abroad, including the local Heather Honey and Furzewood Farm Honey both of which were delicious and the product of The Noble Bees own hives. Another standout honey for me was a Zambian Forest Honey from Wainwrights – which had both a complex and smokiness to its profile. I likened it to a peaty Scotch Whiskey for its depth of flavour. Lush! Moreish!
After a joyful session of candle-making, the day ended with a timely reminder about the plight of the UK’s natural pollinators, and suggestions for making our garden’s (or balconies) more wildlife friendly through wildflower planting and providing habitat for nest sites - such as “bug hotels” and habitat piles.
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| a "natural hive" in a fabricated tree cavity |
Other highlights of the day were a honey tasting session, sampling a wide variety of honeys from both the UK and abroad, including the local Heather Honey and Furzewood Farm Honey both of which were delicious and the product of The Noble Bees own hives. Another standout honey for me was a Zambian Forest Honey from Wainwrights – which had both a complex and smokiness to its profile. I likened it to a peaty Scotch Whiskey for its depth of flavour. Lush! Moreish!
After a joyful session of candle-making, the day ended with a timely reminder about the plight of the UK’s natural pollinators, and suggestions for making our garden’s (or balconies) more wildlife friendly through wildflower planting and providing habitat for nest sites - such as “bug hotels” and habitat piles.
