newbie alert

[onymee]

Hi, I live near Wisbech in north Cambs and am thinking about keeping bees. I've always fancied it and now that I no longer keep goats, I have a quiet area where I can site a hive.I am trying to read and learn all I need to before I get bees though. I am slightly concerned about allergic reactions as I am asthmatic. There is just so much to learn about the husbandry which I find daunting. A friend is also going to keep bees and made the decision even though he hasn't learned properly. He is going to site the hives in a garden abounded by neighbours, next to the drive and on the other side of a hedge is the pavement with a school bus stop. Personally I think that this is wrong and a recipe for disaster but then that's perhaps me being over cautious and wanting to be sure I have happy bees which I am able to properly care for and which cannot hurt or kill any passers by or people walking their dogs/babies in pushchairs etc. I have tried to point out that this may not be the best place for a hive but he replied that it was not illegal so he'll put it where he wants
I'm surprised that it isn't illegal to place hives where it might cause harm to children. Opinions please on this. and also a question. From when you decided to keep bees, to actually getting your hive with real live bees, how long did it take for you to learn all you needed? Also did you have someone to mentor you or did you have to learn all by yourself? I really really want to keep bees but need to learn first, then weigh up pros and cons. The hive will be right next to my polytunnel and veggie plot. Would this be a problem?

 

[AnotherNewBee]

Polytunnels and veg patches don't complain to the council. They should be fine there but you might want to think about how you'll work close to them when you need to. I suggest you get your mentors to take a look at your planned site and give you their opinions. They'll probably suggest screening the hives to make sure the flight paths are high enough to not be a problem.

NOTE I am a newbie too so pay more attention to what the seasoned regulars have to say!

As for your buddy, if they have a flight path that takes them over the heads of people in the bus queue, and the neighbours, they (the queuees and neighbours) will probably be ok, but they might not feel ok and may be inclined to complain to the council or, if it's hooded apes doing the queuing, take direct action that might involve vandalised hives and angry bees.

I predict your buddy will get so much aggro he'll either give up (you'll probably inherit his hives) or find he's got few friends amongst his neighbours - especially if one of them turns out to be severely allergic to bee venom and ends up in hospital after being stung.

 

[itma]

Regarding your pal's bees, if they create a nuisance, the Council can order that they be removed - they can make it illegal, *if* he causes problems for others.

But if his hedge is at least head-high, and his attitude improves, he might be OK.


ADDED

From when you decided to keep bees, to actually getting your hive with real live bees, how long did it take for you to learn all you needed? Also did you have someone to mentor you or did you have to learn all by yourself? I really really want to keep bees but need to learn first, then weigh up pros and cons.

See if one of your local association members would like a helping hand. There seem to be plenty beekeepers who find the box-lifting quite hard work. That way you could get to meet and handle bees without a massive commitment, including the financial commitment.

 

[enrico]

The best thing you can do is find someone who already keeps bees and ask if you can observe for a while. I am sure they will let you help. Buy a good bee suit, pair of Welles and bee gloves so that you are ready. When your friend realises that bees can be antisocial he will regret putting them were he has suggested. Moving them isn't always easy so you may end up with their bees!! If you are going to do it then do it right!

 

[REDWOOD]

Firstly Welcome to the forum. Your friends beehive should not cause a problem if the hedge is high as the bees will fly over the top but he should make sure the are from a docile strain of bees, not a very good idea to keep bees without a mentor or passing a basic course of beekeeping. There are many beekeeping associations in the UK that offer courses for for beginners and for advanced beekeepers. The courses are usually about 8-12 weeks which will give you enough knowledge to keep bees, however you will never know it all as soon as you think you do something new crops up and we all share this valuable information on this forum. As you progress as a beekeeper you will no doubt have lots of questions to ask and the very Knowledgeable beekeepers on this forum will help you in every way possible

 

[itma]

Just to note that most beeks and associations will have some sort of visitor protective clothing that they can lend (even if it isn't either fashionable or well-fitting) - so you don't even need to buy a suit to see whether or not its really for you.

 

[psafloyd]

I'm surprised that it isn't illegal to place hives where it might cause harm to children.

Why should children be more important than a strapping young lad or an 80 year old woman? This is the kind of attitude that makes people empty their pockets for children in foreign countries (while stepping over the homeless in our streets) rather than asking how they might help the parents who might keep these families together.

However, you're right to be concerned about the siting of the hives. it is important and if you are seriously thinking about it, get a local beek to show you the ropes (could be one on here) or join a course, which may be starting soon at a local division.

And welcome, too.

 

[AndyJThompson]

Hi I am close to Wisbech also have kept bees for two years be happy to share my limited knowledge. Your welcome to pm me.

Andy.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[dclewis]

Redwood has it right when he mentions strain of bee. Get docile bees and a 2m hedge and there's no problem however anything less and it wont be the same result, particularly just after inspection and after harvest particularly in ify weather.
As for veg patch, mine is only 10m from the bees but the other side of a 2m screen. Was rotavating at the weekend and even with the little flying that was going on (low temps) still got buzzed 3 or 4 times. You might end up working your patch with a veil on.

 

[Lindylou]

Hi Onymee,

I am also in Wisbech and at present am attending a beekeeping class with the West Norfolk and Kings Lynn Beekeeping Assoc. It is well worth giving them a call, or just visit their website. I have learnt loads and am now awaiting my first nuc.

 

[Silly Bee]

There you go onyme.

2 offers of hands on help.

Take them both.

 

[Pete D]

Hi, like the other 2 offers of help from Lindylou and Barranak, I too live close by (7 miles) and am happy to share what I know and show you some bees.
I have a spare suit and couple of jackets.
I did my basic at Peterborough but belong to King's Lynn as its closer. They have plenty of events for training throughout the year. Check out their website. They have a taster session day on 20th May, where you can turn up, borrow a suit and under guidance handle some bees, again check the website and book in. They have these monthly over the summer.
Lindylou sounds like she is closest but is waiting for bees so Andy or myself if you cant wait could help.........or even both of us.
cheers
Pete D

 

[AnotherNewBee]

There you go onyme.

2 offers of hands on help.

Take them both.

They're two beekeepers. They will have at least three differing opinions.

 

[Silly Bee]

They're two beekeepers. They will have at least three differing opinions.

Of course they will, why should onymee be less confused than the rest of us.