Wild find

[Cellectronic]

Took my dog for an evening walk around a disused limestone quarry works .
This is a wildly overgrown site of special scientific interest (SSI) grazed by a few sheep, which I have visited several times over many years (not the sheep you understand) . There is a great, once worked quarry face approx five meters high.
Whilst wandering around the face and admiring the fossils I came across a deep vertical crevice accompanied by a loud buzzing .
There I was with my best friend (Border collie) staring up at this crevice, which contained the most lovely white fresh honey comb one could imagine and the bees where working so hard going in and out I don't think they even noticed us ,with time getting on in the evening I thought "I wish they were mine" but knowing mine would be all tucked up by now.
It was such a great find on such a beautyful evening , I just hope they live long and prosper.
I will be keeping an eye on them from time to time.

 

[bjosephd]

Lovely!

An pics?

 

[Cellectronic]

No pics this time ,
I did not get too close as not knowing their temperament I thought it may be a bit risky.
Maybe the next visit , I will be prepared.

 

[Galaxy55]

Good to know that there are still a few places available in the wild where the bees are going to get left alone. I wonder if they have picked somewhere where they can survive the winter?

 

[enrico]

Monitor them as best you can. If you pass there regularly then that should be easy, check early every spring to see if they have died out. It is interesting to know if varroa is killing all wild colonies! Oh, and hide a cheap bait box nearby!

 

[bontbee]

I regularly spy on bees in a chimney that I am (as) certain (as I can be) has been continuously occupied by the "same" colony for 3 years now. I was sceptical that they would survive but am very glad to be proved wrong so far.

And yes, I am waiting, with bait box in hand, for a swarm!

And before anyone points it out, the bait box is actually in a nearby hedge (of a friend), but I got carried away with anticipation!

 

[Cellectronic]

Over the last 4 years I have come across 5 wild/feral colonies and I do keep an eye on them and so far they all seem OK, Good news for the little guys/girls.
Two of these are low in tree trunks 1, approx 1 meter above ground, the other is in the root system of an Oak tree.
One in a roof of a house, then yesterdays find.

 

[Cazza]

There is a feral colony in an ancient chimney in Botesdale Suffolk near my local pub. Always looks busy, been there several years. It swarmed recently.
Always interesting to keep an eye on it on the way to Botty CooP.
Cazza

 

[BrianO]

Likewise, written about here before hugely strong Feral colony ineaves oh holiday house by the sea , know there 3 years and definitely overwintered 2 I have observed.

Notiiced some guys on ground wigh DWV but equally would say overall colony looks very strong , always piling in with full pokllen sacs

 

[Excession]

I watched a swarm arrive on the tower of Portchester castle about 3 weeks ago.
Far too high to collect, they have settled inside and are now a 'wild' colony.
I get to see them every Saturday on my morning run, they are very busy.
Wish they were in my hives instead!