It’s been a strange year. Beekeepers say that every year but 2026 has already broken records by starting exceptionally wet and then having a prolonged heatwave through July coupled with almost no rainfall whatsoever. Plants stopped yielding nectar, but hopefully… Read More »The honey harvest 2026
June already – so will there be a traditional “June Gap” this year? Sometimes in parts of UK (and certainly in Hampshire) there can be a gap between the last of the spring nectar and the beginning of the summer… Read More »June – is there a nectar gap?
The British are known for complaining about the weather, and the last year has given us plenty to complain about. Nevertheless, the bees get on with whatever comes their way. Winter losses are anecdotally higher than expected (although we always… Read More »March – the season begins
This has been a season of highs and lows. With a cold and wet start, several people reported higher than normal colony losses over the winter, often through queen failure. As the previous summer and autumn (2024) were comparatively poor,… Read More »The end of the season, 2025
We are fortunate in being able to hold our honey show on the eve of the Romsey Show at Broadlands. This year our members supplied well over 100 entries to the show benches, which kept Claire the honey show judge… Read More »Our honey show, 2025
At long last, winter seems to be coming to an end. Snowdrops have been and gone, crocuses are flowering, hazel and willow are also providing lots of fresh pollen and more is on its way. We have passed the vernal… Read More »Winter’s end, March 2025
Are you thinking about starting to keep bees in 2026? Romsey & District Beekeepers Association runs a flexible course for beginner beekeepers. Twelve theory sessions deliver knowledge and skills that, together with the essential practical sessions, will give you the… Read More »Beginners beekeeping 2026
The bees are clustering. Check that hive entrances are clear and that the bees have enough food. Consider treating with oxalic acid After a disappointing season weather-wise the bees have started to cluster but will take occasional cleansing flights in… Read More »End of 2024