The South African Fynbos in the Western Cape is more botanically diverse than tropical rainforests in South America (including the Amazon) (wwf.panda.org)! It covers both mountains and lowlands and comprises low, fine-leaved scrubby plants and bushes, many of which are at risk of becoming extinct – part of it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vegetation is fire-prone and fire-adapted and requires bush fires approximately every 10 years to remain in the best condition (capetownbotanist.com).
In February I stayed at a winery in the Fynbos that describes itself as an ethical village (boschendal.com) where “nature flourishes and innovative, regenerative farming is practised“. It is a beautiful place, close to the mountains but I was surprised, while there, to see only two honeybees and a couple of butterflies… and I’m not the only one (thefynbosguy.com). As might be expected, the sources listed here note many and varied pollinators including insects, birds, mammals (and the wind) but the insects certainly weren’t out and about in February. Apart from it being a very hot and dry summer (baths were banned while I was there 😉) other reasons suggested for this dearth include 1) increased use of pesticides and habitat loss due to the intensification of agriculture (Royal Entomological Society) and 2) efficient wind pollination which reduces the need for bright flowers, attractive scents or nectar (thefynbosguy.com).
However, there is some hope: Rattol et al (Antenna, 50(1) 2026) undertook a natural experiment in which they planted strips of long-flowering wildflowers in commercial orchards. During the experiment over 6,000 insects were observed with Apis mellifera capenensis (Cape Honeybee) making 89% of flower visits. Honeybee numbers increased by about 15% for every metre square of wildflowers. While this experiment was undertaken on a UNESCO site, maybe there is a lesson here for hobbyist beekeepers: even small patches of wildflowers and a level of re-wilding may well help to keep such extensive pollinator scarcity away from our countryside. Over to you……
Post-script: I asked the NZ beekeepers about their ongoing oxalic acid treatment protocol and they said that they’re encouraged to use sublimation to control varroa. As Auckland is sub-tropical, their bees forage all through the year so they don’t get a brood break at all… and they are still sublimating as I write. Thank goodness for our three-times annually protocol!
And finally (post post-script): at least half a dozen Kennet members attended the Spring Convention at Harper Adams University in mid-April. There were many lectures about (varroa) treatment-free beekeeping and Richard Rickett gave a preview presentation of the talk he is giving us on June 3rd: “Bees, Baskets and Boles (and a bit of Butler)” – don’t miss it!! Seminars ranged from microscopy to “Fun with (swarm) boards” and the entertainment peaked with dinner and a ceilidh on Saturday night!!
After a traditional dose of March winds and April showers [!] the weather has settled into a typical high-pressure effect, with clear skies, warm days but still cold nights – with the odd frost reported. The latter point is valid for those considering splitting colonies, do make sure that the splits and the donor colonies are strong enough to maintain warmth in the hive. And with an ever-increasing number of mouths to feed, ensure that they have sufficient stores, feed if necessary.
Whilst the first open apiary session on the 11th was unsurprisingly ‘changeable’ weather wise, we did manage a quick inspection before bright sun changed to a hailstorm! The most recent session was blessed with perfect conditions, and for those members turning up at 1pm, there was the added bonus of watching a swarm being collected from the bushes opposite the apiary. Many thanks to the intrepid Oli for risking life and limb to grab it [note to Health & Safety – no bees or beekeepers were harmed in the collection of this swarm 😊].
A great session followed, with especial thanks to the more experienced members who helped guide the newcomers. As ever, a dynamic debrief and Q&A followed, helped along with another of Sue’s lovely cakes. It is a fact that the post-inspection chat between members of all experience levels is as valuable to many as is opening a hive.
Of course, beekeepers are never happy and concerns were raised at the paucity of rain and its effect on nectar flow. We can but hope.
And last but not least, keep a careful eye out for those pesky queen cells, the little darlings do like hiding them! If you are fortunate enough to catch a swarm, please collect it at dusk so that you don’t leave bees around to bother the public; wherever possible, quarantine them away from your apiary until you are sure they don’t carry anything nasty [an ideal time to treat for varroa as there will be no brood present initially].
Fingers crossed for a good season.
Jeremy
Apiaries Manager
Visit to Great Wood, nr Lyneham – Saturday 16th May, morning visit (with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust)
Sonia has organised this walk with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust: everyone is welcome as are family and friends!! Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are giving us exclusive group access to Great Wood nr Lyneham – a site currently closed to the public. A one-off opportunity to explore this special place with a guided tour from Nick Self, and some bee chat with Stan, the resident beekeeper.
What to expect:
Timings: 10:15am meet in the car park (Nick Self will wait by the gate and guide you in). 10:30am tour starts and will take approx 2 hours. Perfect timing for anyone attending the beginner apiary sessions too!
All site details, including location and access: wiltshirewildlife.org/nature-reserves/great-wood. Please let Sonia know if you’d like to join the group (or if you have any questions): soniameadows@…
Follow BBKA for all links
In 2026 the NBU will not be allowed to participate in spring queen trapping (DEFRA). Roger, our YLAH co-ordinator, is attending a YLAH Discussion Forum on 27th April and will, hopefully, be able to update us in next month’s newsletter. In the meantime, the advice from Jack Silberrad (APHA) at the BBKA Spring Convention is to use spring monitoring stations as a point of interest for insects generally and to use late summer / early autumn monitoring stations vigilantly to keep watch for YLAH queens as they move towards hibernation.
That’s all for now – if you’ve got thoughts about items you’d like to see noted or covered in this newsletter, please get in touch.
Andrea
Andrea Waylen
Chair, Kennet Beekeepers Association
Email: andrea.waylen@gmail.com Tel: 07876 157826
