And for some better news.....

A recent study by the University of Sussex provides an interesting insight into the ratio of wild versus managed honeybee colonies around the world - plus the implications for disease resistance:

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/honey-bees-suprisingly-abundant-research-173056150.html

Beware the Asian Hornet

As we approach the beginning of the beekeeping season, the BBKA has highlighted a number of recent articles about the  Asian Hornet: 

https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/yellow-legged-hornet-italy-government-officials/

https://www.fruitandvine.co.uk/asian-hornets-could-reduce-uk-agricultural-yields/

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/24153263.brighton-beekeepers-urge-vigilance-asian-hornets/

Novice Course 2024

Have you made a New Year's resolution to become a beekeeper this year?

If so, you might like to join our Novice course which starts on Monday 12th February and runs weekly over six weeks.

It's an ideal way to learn about beekeeping and hopefully avoid some of the common mistakes made when starting out.

If you're interested, email us at neworcsbeekeepers@gmail.com for more information.

It's Christmas (and time to be Social)

Our last Social Meeting of 2023 is at 7:30pm on Monday 11th December - at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BH.   

As usual, everyone is welcome - experienced Beekeepers, Novices and those considering taking up beekeeping.

Successful overwintering of bees and meeting the Asian Hornet threat

Don't forget our talk on Friday, 24th November, at 7:30 pm, in the meeting room at Alvechurch Marina.

The speaker is Bob Poole who, as a Seasonal Bee Inspector, has recently been a member of the NBU team eradicating Asian Hornet colonies established on the south coast.  His talk will cover preparations for inevitable AH incursions and how to preparing colonies for Winter.

As colony losses last winter were higher than for many years and the incidence of Asian Hornets is increasing each year, you and your colonies could benefit greatly from his advice.

The importance of Hive Insulation

Recent research challenges the widespread belief that honeybees naturally insulate their colonies against cold.   It underlines the importance of helping the bees by adding insulation to their hives during winter. 

https://phys.org/news/2023-11-widespread-belief-honeybees-naturally-insulate.html

Thinking about becoming a Beekeeper?

Our 2024 Novice Course will be held in February/March.  If you are thinking about becoming a Beekeeper and would like more information about how to start, drop an email to us at neworcsbeekeepers@gmail.com