Beginners Training Weekend

pbkatrainer Training

A new beginners course has been scheduled to take place over the weekend of 23rd and 24th June.  The content is based upon our successful one day training but with the benefit, on the second day, of practical experience of opening a beehive to conduct and record an inspection.

We are holding this at the invitation of Over the Rainbow vegetarian guest house and meeting centre.  The location will readily accessible to those prospective beekeepers living in the north east  of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. We are sure you will be delighted with the location and facilities.

To find out more and to book, visit our Training Weekend page.

Plants for Bees

apiarymanager Forage

We often get asked to suggest plants which will be good for bees and with spring easing its way in it is a good time to think about making a bee, and other insect, friendly garden.  The British Beekeepers’ Association have a comprehensive, 20 page, list on their website in pdf format which should provide plenty of ideas for all sizes of garden.

The list is grouped by flowering season within plant type and shows if the plant is a source of pollen or nectar, and the recommended planting season.

Click here to see and download the document.

Fumidil® B – Details of Withdrawal

apiarymanager Nosema

Those of you who were at the AGM to hear Frank Gellatly or who have read this month’s edition of Bee Craft will be aware that Fumidil® B, which was the only recognised treatment for nosema, is being withdrawn from the UK following a decision by the Veterinary Medicines Directive (VMD).  This brings the UK in line with the rest of Europe.

Manufacturers have until June 30th to sell stock and retailers can sell the product up to its expiry date.  This document (Word format) on the VMD/DEFRA website quotes a shelf life as packaged as 2 years.  So, in theory at least, this could be on sale until the end of 2013 – although it is very doubtful that suppliers will have stocks at that date.