With the warmer weather, our honey bees are now active again and the queen will be reaching her greatest rate of lay this month. Our beekeeper, Rod Hogg, has installed further hives in our orchard apiary, bringing the total to four. Look out for them when you take a ride on our train – they’re just next to the line.
Last weekend was a busy one after a swarm decided to relocate from their hive onto a fence post! They were encouraged into a Skep (a wicker basket) using smoke and then re-hived at a different apiary. This is done by shaking the bees out of their carrier, onto a ramp, leading to the hive. The bees will then naturally make their way into their new home, which is fascinating to watch.
Make sure you keep an eye out for our very own Beale Park Honey, available in our Gift Shop soon.