As another beekeeping season draws to a close, it’s time to pause, look back, and reflect on what has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in recent memory.
Back in January, I was feeling optimistic. I visited a site where fields of Oil Seed Rape were just coming through, already picturing strong colonies and a promising crop. But nature had other plans. The rains came in February and March, washing most of it away. What little survived wasn’t worth the effort, and the farmer eventually ploughed it in.
Spring brought no relief. Cold, wet weather meant that whenever the bees managed to build up some stores, the rain returned and they quickly consumed it again. Spring honey was scarce, and many of us found ourselves dealing with poorly mated queens and the inevitable drone layers that followed.
By early summer, some areas even saw a June gap. Feeding became necessary just to keep colonies going. Then, almost overnight, summer arrived. With moisture still deep in the ground, the nectar finally began to flow, and colonies exploded in size. Swarm control became a constant challenge – keeping enough space in the boxes felt like a full-time job.
With all that moisture in the soil, many of us had high hopes for a good heather crop. Unfortunately, the poor weather returned, and the harvest was disappointing. My own colonies came back from the moors with no brood at all – a sign, I think, of just how tough a season it’s been.
Still, despite the setbacks, I hope everyone has managed to take off some honey and find those small rewards that make beekeeping worthwhile.
Beyond the bees themselves, the association has had its own challenges this year. Following last year’s AGM, our winter meetings ran through to March and were well attended, and membership has grown steadily – a positive sign for the future. However, we’ve been without a Secretary since February, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Carole for her dedicated work in the role.
Ivor kindly stepped in to handle the Secretary mailbox, while I took on the postal correspondence, and between us – and the wider committee – we managed to keep things moving. We even put together a full programme of events and winter meetings. Although our plans for queen rearing training had to be postponed due to time pressures, it remains firmly on our agenda for next season.
Despite the challenges, we’ve achieved a lot since the last AGM. Through February, March, and April, work continued at the Apiary site, with the creation of a new patio area and seating. Alongside myself, Ivor, and Mark, we were joined by Paul Geary, Jimmy Harte, Mel Hallas, and Charles Beal, whose hard work – and generous supply of pallets – helped make the fencing and seating possible.
Thanks to Paul and Jimmy, we also sourced a batch of paving flags – enough to complete the paving this winter. Charles and Julie Oxley have been developing the garden area too, with more work planned for next year.
We were also pleased to secure funding for a commemorative tree from the BBKA to mark its 150th anniversary. We chose a Ribston Pippin – a heritage Yorkshire apple variety – which now stands proudly at the Apiary as a living symbol of beekeeping heritage and community spirit.
It’s been a demanding year in every sense, but also one that’s shown the resilience and dedication of our members. As we look ahead to next season, I’m confident that the lessons learned – and the teamwork shown – will help our association continue to thrive.
Here’s to better weather, stronger colonies, and plenty more honey in the year ahead.