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Spring has Sprung

With the spring equinox today and the opening off the daffodils on the 1st March it seemed like a good time to look at the season ahead, and say hello to the bees!

The first signs of spring have arrived at the apiary with the opening of the daffodils. I planted these last autumn, to add the first hues of colour and to give an indication when the spring season starts here in the Outer Hebrides.

March is a time to keep an eye on the colonies, look for activity, and signs of pollen going in that indicates a new round of brood is beginning ready for the nectar flows. It’s easy to get excited and jump ahead by adding pollen patties to stimulate the queen into laying but I think that March is a month to wait and see, and to hold back a little bit. Too early and the bees could grow and outpace the available pollen and nectar flow. Too late and I wouldn’t be maximising the colonies expansion for early summer splits or for that all exciting honey.

Although the daffodils had made an appearance, the bees still hadn’t emerged from their winter cluster by Mid-March. After a long winter and a pretty wet and windy start to spring, March 18th was launch day! The sun was out, the wind had dropped to a gentle breeze and temperatures had soared to 10ºC. It was a happy day at Hebribees Honey as we witnessed the overwintered bees out and busy with the orientation flights!

They were moved to their new apiary here on Croft 5 in January, so they haven’t had chance to orientate to their new surroundings until this day. You may remember that hive two was a concern but happily they have come through winter, and whilst obviously smaller, they are equally as busy as the other colony.

From a beekeepers point of view it was great to be out in the apiary and surrounded by the buzz of activity again. Time to build my coffee bench (on the still-to-do list) so I can spend time out observing and relaxing in the company of the bees.

Winter was supposed to be the time to do all of those jobs that are required in preparation for spring. That didn’t happen, and so I now find myself a behind on my spring tasks. No problem, the seasons are fluid here and so is my jobs list.

I have made plans for this years beekeeping season though. Some of this years goals and plans include expanding the honey producing colonies to make the most of the short season/forage time that the bees have here compared to further south on the mainland. I shall also be setting up a hive for another crofter and helping them get started on their beekeeping journey. They are keen to keep bees to add biodiversity to their newly planted woodland, and enjoy a small crop of honey each year.

There is a demand for bees as well as honey on the island so I am also setting aside a colony for producing bees. Alongside my trusted supplier on the mainland I hope that Hebribees can supply other interested crofters who want to start on their own beekeeping journey here on the Isle of Lewis.

As well as producing bees and honey I shall be opening the gate to welcome visitors to the apiary. So if you are interested in beekeeping and would like to visit the hives to get a feel for keeping bees then get in-touch. I’m no expert but I am happy to share what I have done so far.

There are many other longer term plans, but there is a lot going on at Croft 5 this year and preparations for other livestock to make. For now I’m happy to sit among the bees, listen to the buzz in the air as the colonies exapand, and get excited about the next batch of honey!

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