Mrsfullhouse
New Bee
Dear all!
We have recently moved into a rambling smallholding in Somerset, and I am in need of guidance!
I have been passionate about bees since first visiting the Bath and West show when I was five and spotting the Queen in a vast swarm of wiggly bees. I have always wanted to keep them, but due to constantly moving with my job, was never in a position to do so.
I am now settled in the most beautiful spot in the world, surrounded by acres and acres of fields. We have an orchard, which I am currently replanting and expanding, and I am converting one of the pasture fields to a wild flower meadow (with extended season flowering) to feed as many hungry bees as would like to live here.
So.... How do i start? Am I too late for this year?
Are the cheap hives on ebay that you build yourself rubbish? If not, what is the most economic way to start. We are on a thrifty budget, but my dad is a retired master carpenter and has offered to make me hives... He just needs one to copy.
I have contacted the southwest beekeeping association, but no joy as yet--I'm guessing it's a busy time of year!
Am I barking up the wrong tree trying to start this year or should I wait??
I'm so excited and desperate to get going.
Thank you for reading this!
We have recently moved into a rambling smallholding in Somerset, and I am in need of guidance!
I have been passionate about bees since first visiting the Bath and West show when I was five and spotting the Queen in a vast swarm of wiggly bees. I have always wanted to keep them, but due to constantly moving with my job, was never in a position to do so.
I am now settled in the most beautiful spot in the world, surrounded by acres and acres of fields. We have an orchard, which I am currently replanting and expanding, and I am converting one of the pasture fields to a wild flower meadow (with extended season flowering) to feed as many hungry bees as would like to live here.
So.... How do i start? Am I too late for this year?
Are the cheap hives on ebay that you build yourself rubbish? If not, what is the most economic way to start. We are on a thrifty budget, but my dad is a retired master carpenter and has offered to make me hives... He just needs one to copy.
I have contacted the southwest beekeeping association, but no joy as yet--I'm guessing it's a busy time of year!
Am I barking up the wrong tree trying to start this year or should I wait??
I'm so excited and desperate to get going.
Thank you for reading this!
