Honey bees

[meddyg]

I haven't seen a single honey bee in my garden in W.Wales (Fishguard) this summer. I know the chatterati think that pesticide poisoning is the problem and the Guardianistas are worried about colony collapse disorder  .

I did keep bees myself for 15 years + 1985-2003? and then varroa crept in and yields were puny. There are a few cycling beekeepers out there!

Amother wet July in the west after a dry, sometimes hot June. Is the rest of the UK faring better?

[Riggers]

Been seeing quite a few buzzing around our lavender in Brighton, Medders.

[Chris S]

There are large Lavender beds all around the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital grounds, and they were alive with bees the other week.

It's been a very dry and sunny spring and early summer here - the grass is already brown and crispy.

[clarion]

Perhaps they're all metrosexual bees and prefer the ambience of Brighton to Fishguard, Riggers?

srsly, I've seen fewer honey bees this year, but more bumble bees.

[urban_biker]

We had a swarm of bees arrive in our compost bin about a month ago. I called a local bee-keeper who was very happy to come and collect them. I did consider our own swarm_catcher but assumed London was a bit far away

[Hello, I am Bruce]

srsly, I've seen fewer honey bees this year, but more bumble bees.

Ditto.

The only bee keeper I know lost their colonies last year and, according to the beekeeping expert I spoke to at the Highland Show, this has been the pattern all across the country.

Apparently lots of people want to take up bee keeping, but there are nowhere near enough queens to go round now.

[Riggers]

but there are nowhere near enough queens to go round now.

Clarrers? The door is open for you…