25/06/2026
🌸 JUNE UPDATE 🌸
What a difference a bit of sunshine makes! 😎
We've been fortunate to enjoy some fantastic weather recently, and our bees have certainly been making the most of it. The warm temperatures and settled conditions have allowed colonies to fly for longer periods each day, bringing in valuable nectar and pollen to support brood rearing and honey production. 🍯
It's also been an exceptionally busy time for swarm collection. Over recent weeks we've responded to numerous reports of honey bee swarms across the local area. Swarming is a natural part of a colony's lifecycle, where the old queen leaves with a portion of the workforce to establish a new home. While it can keep beekeepers on their toes, every swarm collected represents an opportunity to establish a healthy new colony. 🤗
One trend we've noticed this year is the number of swarms choosing to enter chimneys. Unfortunately, once a swarm has moved into a chimney, there is often very little that can be done without specialist access or significant disruption to the property. As always, we’ll do our best to accommodate every situation so please reach out to us if you find this happen to you! ❤️
If you see what you believe to be a swarm of honey bees, don't panic. Swarms are generally at their most docile during this stage as they are focused on finding a new home. Keep a safe distance, avoid disturbing them, and if possible take a photograph and note the exact location before contacting a local beekeeper like ourselves. The sooner a swarm is reported, the greater the chance it can be safely collected and rehomed. 🐝
In the fields and hedgerows, the honey flow evolves. White clover is currently providing an important nectar source, helping our bees add steadily to their honey stores. Looking ahead, we're beginning to see the first signs of bramble coming into flower. Bramble is one of our most reliable summer nectar sources and can contribute significantly to both colony growth and honey production if weather conditions remain favourable. 🌸
As always, we'll continue monitoring our colonies closely and hope the good weather sticks around for a little while longer! ☀️🤞
- William and Jack 😊
