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A study has found that conventional modern hives used by beekeepers may be unsuitable for bees, causing them to suffer in cold temperatures. The belief that clustering together provides insulation for bees has been fundamental in hive design and beekeeping practice for over a century. However, the study shows that clustering is actually a distress behavior, and deliberately inducing clustering may be considered poor welfare or cruelty. The study also highlights the importance of providing substantial insulation in hive walls to protect bees from the cold. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of various topics related to beekeeping and environmental issues. It discusses the death of Kim Flottum, a well-known figure in the beekeeping industry, and his concerns about the negative impact of almond production on beekeeping and the environment. The article also mentions farmer protests in different countries, including the UK, driven by concerns such as EU regulations, cheap imports, and environmental issues. The author expresses support for preserving allotments for chemical-free food and promoting a healthier lifestyle. The text also touches on the potential benefits of investing in small beekeeping schemes, the importation of honey, the destruction of a historic beekeeping site, and the impact of pesticide use on bee colonies. It concludes with a discussion on the environmental hazards of routine prophylactic treatments for pets and suggests alternative options. [Extracted from the article]

The Beekeeping Show 2024 took place at the Telford International Conference Centre on February 24th. The event attracted a large number of attendees, with queues forming even before the show opened. The show featured an expanded space compared to the previous year, with more suppliers and a lecture space. The focus of the event was on Asian hornets. The article includes photos taken by Stuart Roberts, who generously shared them with the editor. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of protecting the beekeeping heritage in Areopoli, Greece. The author planned to visit the stone hives in Areopoli mentioned in a paper by Georgios Mavrofridis. However, upon arrival, the author discovered that the hives had been dismantled six years ago during the construction of a new bus station and parking area. The author expresses disappointment at the loss of this historic site and notes the lack of interest from the local museum. The article also mentions a beekeeping family in the market and the grandson's upcoming military service. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the efforts of the B4 Project in conserving the native dark European honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) in the south west of England. The project aims to set up reserves, work with scientists to identify genetic purity, inform the public about the dark European honey bee, and influence decision makers. Scientific evidence has shown that there are populations of relatively pure A. m. m. in Cornwall, and careful management can increase this. The article also mentions the establishment of dark bees at various public and private sites, as well as plans for a new dark bee reserve on Bodmin Moor. The B4 Project has organized important meetings for beekeepers and has collaborated with scientists on honey bee conservation. The article concludes by acknowledging the progress made by the B4 Project but emphasizes that more work remains to be done in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The construction and the use of a new improvised, of multiple use and cheap device for collecting samples of bees is described in this article. The adult bees of the samples are to be screened for their varroa infestation level. By also using a funnel, the bee sampling lasts no longer than one minute per colony. In addition, the dropping of the mites and their counting on the surface of the base of each device are always made during the free time of the beekeeper (at home). Therefore, the possible larger number of honey colonies per bee yard can be examined with the new device more "rapidly" than before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses two books related to beekeeping. The first book, "Common Sense Natural Beekeeping: Sustainable, Bee-Friendly Techniques to Help your Hives Survive and Thrive" by Kim Flottum, is praised for its comprehensive coverage of natural and sustainable beekeeping practices. The book covers topics such as the history of beekeeping, suitable hive designs, bee health, and treatment methods. The second book, "Piping hot bees and boisterous buzz-runners" by Thomas D. Seeley, is described as a personal work that delves into the author's journey and significant advances in understanding honey bee behavior. The book emphasizes the importance of observing bees in their natural habitats and challenges conventional beekeeping practices. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Beekeepers Quarterly discusses various topics related to beekeeping. The first article focuses on the spread and control of European Foulbrood (EFB) in Denmark and Scotland. The author suggests that black bees in Scotland may have developed immunity to EFB due to constant exposure to the pathogen. The second article shares anecdotes about EFB outbreaks and the potential role of inbreeding in weakening colonies. The article also briefly mentions the production of heather honey and the Dyce process for creaming honey. The author advises beekeepers to avoid excessive heating of honey to preserve its flavor and quality. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "The worst and the best of bee research: a story in four snapshots," features the experiences of four researchers in the field of bee research. Laura McHenry, a PhD candidate, shares her challenges and failures in trying to mark and study honey bees. Ian McKellips, a PhD student, discusses his research on honey bee foraging in apple orchards and the impact of nearby wildflower plots. Lindsay Johnson, an MS student, focuses on developing a new method to estimate honey bee foraging distance. Dr. Margaret Couvillon, the team leader, reflects on her past experiences in honey bee research and the joys of mentoring students. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's experience with beekeeping and the benefits of using eight frame equipment instead of ten frame equipment. The author explains that eight frame equipment is lighter and easier to handle, especially as they are getting older. They also mention that using all medium supers and eight frame equipment requires more boxes and frames, but it is not difficult to manage. The author also discusses the importance of timely harvests and extracting honey multiple times in the summer. Overall, the author recommends considering the switch to eight frame equipment for easier beekeeping. [Extracted from the article]