Howorth Hives Spring Update

At last spring has finally arrived which means the bee keeping season has started and last week was our first inspections of the Howorth Hives, I have some very specific jobs for my first inspection, I examined all four hives, and I am pleased to report that three of them are thriving. These hives are full of activity, displaying abundant brood, spring extension, and ample reserves of pollen and food. It's truly a sight to behold, and I couldn't be happier with their progress.

However, one hive requires a little more attention and patience. This particular hive, which had a supersedure queen from late last summer, is relatively small. While it may not be as robust as the others, it shows promise and simply needs some time to catch up. Despite its size, the hive looks healthy, and I remain optimistic about its future growth.

Now, let's address the impact of the extremely wet spring we have experienced. Unfortunately, the terrible weather has posed some challenges for our bees. The excessive rainfall has limited their foraging opportunities and made it difficult for them to collect nectar and pollen. As a result, the production of spring honey may be affected, and we may have a lower yield than anticipated. However, our resilient bees continue to work diligently, making the most of the opportunities they have, and we remain hopeful for a change in weather and a good harvest.

In terms of spring management, it is important to be proactive in ensuring the well-being of our colonies. As the temperature rises and the flowers bloom, the hive population grows rapidly, so maintaining adequate food stores is key and also providing sufficient space for expansion. By staying on top of these management practices, we can support our bees in their journey towards a successful spring season, despite the challenges posed by the weather.

Additionally, I took the opportunity to mark and clip the queens where necessary. This practice allows for easy identification and helps us keep track of the queen's age and performance. By employing these techniques, we can better manage the overall health and productivity of our colonies.

Lastly, let's not forget about the sweet reward that awaits us this spring: honey! Despite the challenges of a wet spring, our bees are resilient and determined. As the weather improves and the flowers become more abundant, they will diligently gather nectar from the surrounding flora such as dandelion, apple, cherry , blackthorn , hawthorn and many more, creating a extremely sweet spring honey. While we may have a slightly lower yield than usual, the honey will be a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our bees.

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