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One tree would have to be Willow because it is an early source of Pollen for the Bees. Currently the Bees fly on Willow, Sycamore, Holly, Oak, Lime, Spring Laurel and Portuguese later, both in the form of Hedging, with large specimens of Boxwood. My Bees are in a very old garden of an Estate...

Thanks for that, always learning!

Welcome from NE Scotland.

To be honest I do comb change every year in spring usually just changing out the two worst combs in the broodbox, as you deplete your honey crop by changing out in the middle of the season, do not understand the thinking behind a whole brood box of foundation now!

Yes you are correct about side frames encouraging thicker comb, as a producer of this only I require thicker combs to be made. Makes quite a significant difference, offloaded the rest some years ago.

Thank you for reply, it is just interesting to know how forage goes in different areas. My other half’s Cousin had bees up there, however I know he has given up some time ago because of arthritis. I very much enjoyed my trip to Orkney some years back, it was the Lossiemouth to Orkney Cruiser Race.

Portuguese Laurel great!

Very interesting, never thought of vetch as a crop only as a Wild flower here and there.

I agree with you, I love to observe my Bees and watch Pollen arriving and colour of it, so I can assess where they might be working and what species they are on. Everything I do towards my Bees welfare is never a chore, however I have to admit it takes me time, as I like to refer to Dorothy...

Pull up six pulled frames from below replace with six foundation frames from above, when they have pulled all new frames above, then replace old frames below and take up six foundation frames again. You seem to be giving them too much hard work all at once and they will sour at that prospect.

Last two words Spelling gone!wrong! Could be (Hot Smoke) causing the stinging, if your smoker is puffing out blue instead of white smoke this will upset the Bees greatly and cause them to sting you in retaliation, make sure the smoke is white at all times.

I would loose the little tin!

Yes, I know the property prices have skyrocketed since I was a youngster. £10.00 was the price paid for our house here in 1896, bet that was quite expensive then. Hard to believe!

I am always searching for my Hive Tool among other items I misplace. I have lost various hive tools over the years never to have found them again. Beginning to think they are eaten by the undergrowth!!!

I agree.

Wish we had Sweet Chestnut, however I understand we are too far North, the Sweet Chestnut obviously likes it much warmer.

They are an Association and like all Groups require Members to pay to keep them going with paying for Heating & Rent for their Winter educational activities In Cawdor. They also buy equipment to lend to Members which is very beneficial if you do not have your own. Thank you for info. As I was...

I do not personally get Balsam because hives are on edge of source therefore more attractive forage nearer. Currently getting Clover and Bell Heather with general plentiful Wild Flowers and awaiting Limes to flower, as flow can be amazing now and again. My Bees are not at Findhorn however not...

I like marigolds too for manipulation as I have more control of frame grip with these. I find other rubber gloves do not give me control as they are not fitting enough. Years ago I used to be bare handed for manipulation, smoking my hands well before commencing, however I believe some...

My guess is you have a queen just be patient.