At the beginning of April, the beehives begin to wake up after their long winter hibernation, although the queens will have been laying eggs since the end of January – the main development season starts now.
Forager bees will be out and about looking for nectar and pollen to feed the newly hatched larvae. Pollen provides protein for the larva whilst nectar is used by the bees for energy. They also store nectar which eventually becomes honey.
At this time of the year, the bees can struggle to find enough food, later in April oil seed rape will come into flower and that is a valuable food source. However recent EU legislation has led to and big drop in the area grown as the crop becomes less viable with the result our bees are having to fly further afield to get enough food.
One simple way we can help our bees and other insects is not to mow grass until the end of May this will allow wildflowers to develop and provide a safe habitat for these important members of our environment. It may interest you to know that one study shows a 60% decline in the UK insect population since 2004 it is important we do all we can to help them.
If you would like to join the bee co op and help us look after these wonderful members of our village please contact us.
Adrian Morrell
07747 016651
The.a.morrells@btinternet.com
