The Winter Wait: A First Year Reflection

Sharon Green
Nov 8
2 min read

First Feed Done! Plus: Asian Hornet Alert and Our Hopes for Spring

Hello Bee Lovers,

What an extraordinary journey the last twelve months have been! Our debut year as beekeepers here at Yorkshire Apiaries has been less a smooth flight and more a steep, buzzing rollercoaster. We started with five promising colonies, and while the experience has been incredibly rewarding, the challenges have been humbling. Every day has been a lesson in nature's complexity, confirming that beekeeping is a journey of continuous learning.

The True Cost of Learning

This year has tested our resolve and our finances. We’ve faced the heartbreak of losing promising colonies, wrestled with the emotional toil of setbacks, and had to contend with the relentless challenges of dead queens and absconding bees. The relentless pressure from wasp attacks this summer was a significant drain on our bees’ resources. We are now heading into winter with two out of our five original colonies remaining. This low number makes the winter survival period all the more critical, and we are praying they make it through!

The Immeasurable Upside

Despite the difficulties, the sheer, absolute joy of having bees is immeasurable. That profound feeling of peace when you’re quietly observing the hives, listening to their constant hum, smelling the sweet propolis, and witnessing the daily miracle of life inside—that’s the true passion. We wouldn't trade the experience for anything, especially the chance to educate people like you about the vital importance of these pollinators.

Winter Watch: Feed, Treat, and Stay Vigilant

As the calendar turns to winter, the apiary enters its quiet phase. The bees are clustering, conserving heat and energy.

Winter Prepping: We have already given them their first winter feed to boost their stores, and soon we will be administering their second round of Varroa treatment, a crucial task that prepares them for a healthy start when they emerge in the spring. We are doing everything we can to ensure these two remaining colonies are fit for the fight ahead.
Wasp Watch: Surprisingly, we still have the odd, more docile wasp about, but our attention has turned to a more serious threat: the Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina).
Urgent Alert: We have recently received notification of a possible sighting in South Yorkshire. This aggressive predator poses a severe threat to our native bees. We urge all our supporters to stay vigilant. As members of the public and bee lovers, you can notify any local beekeeper or the National Bee Unit immediately if you suspect you have seen one. Early detection is vital for controlling their spread.