Beekeeping update: March '14 and all is well

Yesterday was warm and mild so I took the opportunity to have the first full check of our beehives. I am pleased to report that all 5 colonies made it through the winter and have at least some new brood being developed. Two of them were short on food and looked a bit weak so have now been given a boost of sugar syrup which will avoid them starving if the weather turns cold again.

At our Denman College site a small wild cherry tree blew over during the winter storms is leaning right above the hives (see picture). It gets a bit in the way of accessing the hives but right now its in bloom and looking lovely. These bees certainly dont have to look far for some food!