In this week's Podcast: It’s incredible to think that today, the 25th October 2024, the local temperature is hitting 19° Celsius, it all seems lovely right now but what are the implications for our honeybees as we head through the Winter, listen in for my thoughts. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 325 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short an…

In this week's Podcast: The sun has been shining and we’ve experienced much warmer weather than we would normally expect at this time of the year. Our bees are out scouring their range in search of food and still bringing back plenty of pollen. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 324 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Thorne Beehives…

In this week's Podcast: It should have come as no real surprise, it is October after all. But this week I experienced my first frosty morning at home which means out in the apiaries it was probably a little colder. Later the same day our bees were out flying in warm Autumn sunshine, in other news, it’s also time to consider Oxalic Acid treatments, …

In this week's Podcast: Ongoing Autumn checks are continuing to reveal, for the most part, some very healthy colonies that are well provisioned for the cold weeks that lay ahead, hefting confirms some weighty Langstroth brood boxes. It’s why I like them. I did however discover one colony that had failed and today I want to talk through how you too …

In this week's Podcast: It’s been rather cooler this past week, especially overnight. Not that I’ve seen any frost you understand but it feels like we’ve begun the long journey through to next Spring. Elsewhere, it’s been getting very hot in the honey room, too hot in fact, listen in to hear why! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 321 of…

In this week's Podcast: I recently used some Formic Pro to treat a colony showing severe signs of Varroa damage, so much so I think they may have been close to collapse. Well the results are in, stay tuned to hear if I managed to save them or if, sadly, I’m cleaning out another bee hive. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 320 of my podca…

In this week's Podcast: Well, the colonies have finally come back from their trip to the heather moors and it’s been a surprising trip, in many ways, stay tuned for my thoughts on exactly what happened. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 319 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company Join Our Beeke…

In this week's Podcast: I’ve been very lucky to be sent a National Uncapper by the team at Bee cooperative.org It’s a newly designed uncapper, and today I’m joined by the co-inventors Martin and Peter for a chat on how the idea started and how it works. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 318 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. The…

In this week's Podcast: Now that we’ve brought the colonies back from the clover fields to their overwintering apiaries, it’s given me a chance to carry out a few checks and I discovered one colony was suffering from a heavy deformed Wing virus infection, this usually means Varroa issues, and that leaves me with a dilemma! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks an…

In this week's Podcast: It’s been a good week, the nucs are growing very nicely and there are more drawn frames than foundation now, it’s looking really positive. Elsewhere, I’ve been preparing the honey room for the long awaited Summer honey extraction, and I thought you might like to hear about the equipment we have ready for this year’s task. Hi…

In this week's Podcast: The bees finally made it to the heather moors, without a fuss or any drama, a nice feeling for a change! We now have most of the Summer honey safely back to the honey room and this year we have the added excitement of the square sections and frame upon frame of cut comb honey to process. Stay tuned to hear my thoughts on the…

In this week's Podcast: Our Coaching Plus Group meets once a month to chat and ask/answer questions about all things beekeeping. First however, I give my captive audience a run down of where we've been for the previous month. this time it's birage honey, section racks and heather moors. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 314 of my podcas…

In this week's Podcast: A funny thing happened in the apiaries last week and it got me thinking about what might be going on. We were removing the Drone brood frame as a varroa control mechanism and some of the frames were simply filled with honey, while others were packed with brood, and lots of varroa. Somethings going on but what? Hi, I’m Stewar…

In this week's Podcast: I recently visited the site I intend to use for our heather honey adventure. It’s pretty bleak high up on the moors and first thing in the morning with the mists rolling through you would wonder how the bees are ever going to get out of the hive! Things changed quite dramatically, as I’ll explain. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and …

In this week's Podcast: Summer has finally arrived, if only for a few days and it all feels a little too late for any kind of honey crop bragging rights, it’s been disappointing. That said, we’re doing very nicely with our cut comb, and even the section rack looks like it may produce a few saleable squares of honey. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welco…

In this week's Podcast: Another week and more rain! I did however, manage to dodge the showers, and checked out swarm colony that we have been coaxing out of a super and into a brood box, and there’s some good news! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 310 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. For all your beekeeping supplies visit Mo…

In this week's Podcast: The plans for the week changed considerably because of the rubbish weather, it’s been cold and wet and yet we found ourselves picking up a swarm from a stack of supers. A swarm in July as the saying goes, yet I often find it’s well worth some effort, listen in to hear why. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 309 of…

In this week's Podcast: We’ve had a mini heatwave, timed to perfection on the day we planned to move our bees to the borage, so we delayed, as we always have our bees welfare upper most in our minds. We did eventually get them shifted and it appears it was perfectly timed. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 308 of my podcast, Beekeeping …

In this week's Podcast: I’ve been speaking to a number of other beekeepers over the last couple of weeks, and all agree it’s been one of the most difficult starts to a beekeeping season in many years. Some beekeepers are still feeding their bees as we pass the Summer Solstice. For me, I’ve just started to take off the Spring honey crop, what honey …

In this week's Podcast: It still doesn’t feel like we’ve really got started with our beekeeping season yet in the next couple of weeks Borage will start flowering and the Summer nectar flow will be in full flow. Time for more preparations and I also turn my attention towards Cut Comb Honey production. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 3…

In this week's Podcast: Introducing new queens into queenless colonies can sometimes be a tricky job especially for the inexperienced beekeeper. We’ve tried several different methods and now focus on making colonies hopelessly queenless before releasing the new queen, listen in to hear more of this almost foolproof method! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks an…

In this week's Podcast: I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, it’s raining again. The bees don’t like it, I certainly don’t like it and I’m desperate to settle in to a regular inspection routine. We’re splitting colonies in preparation for new queen introductions and thinking about the Summer nectar flow that’s heading our way. Hi, I’m Stewa…

In this week's Podcast: It’s raining again, the Spring crop is ready for the taking and I’m turning my attention to preparing colonies for splitting in readiness for the Summer borage trip. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 303 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. For all your beekeeping supplies visit Modern Beekeeping www.modern…

In this week's Podcast: At this time of the year there's just no let up. It's a huge growth period for our colonies, we're still trying to calm the urge for colonies to swarm and I've been carrying out more shook swarms to remove old, dirty combs and with luck any hidden varroa population. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 302 of my pod…

In this week's Podcast: Another crazy week of beekeeping, More swarms, Stings through my bee suit veil and some thoughts on why I have finally settled on the Langstroth hive as my preferred box for our bees. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 301 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by click…

In this week's Podcast: Who would have thought it, Episode 300 and what a week we've had. Intense Spring Sunshine, temperatures up to 20 Degrees Celsius and once again, really heavy rainfall. The perfect combination for swarming and boy have we suffered! Listen in to hear just what's been happening. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 300…

In this week's Podcast: Well, it looks like the weather might finally be turning a little warmer, it's not too different from last year with a late start but now it's here let's crack on, It's a good time to perform a Bailey Comb Change. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 299 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of St…

In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from the BBKA Spring Convention 2024 and have to say I had a really great time. If you've not been in recent years, make it a date next year and let's have a party! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 298 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking t…

In this week's Podcast: Beginner beekeeper Nick Bunker joins me for a chat about his beekeeping journey and hopefully get some answers to some of the many questions he has. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 297 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. Healthy Bees, H…

In this week's Podcast: We've spotted drones in a few colonies, food stores are being replenished in most and it looks like the weather is warming up a little, time to start beekeeping! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 296 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. He…

In this week's Podcast: With Spring progressing there's a temptation to stack supers on your hives for an early Spring crop but that might not necessarily be the best option. Listen in to hear why. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 295 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the li…

In this week's Podcast: Want to sell lip balms, hand creams and other cosmetic products but don't have the time or finances to go through the lengthy process of licencing and insurance? Listen in for a simple solution to boost your sales whether online, at farmer's markets or fairs. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 294 of my podcast, B…

In this week's Podcast: Asian Hornet is a real and present danger here in the UK, today I'm joined once again by Jackie Thomas to discuss the current position and what, if anything I should do as we head into Spring. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 293 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book…

In this week's Podcast: I'm Back, Still struggling with the healthissues but glad to be talking beekeeping once more, and it's March already! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 292 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clicking the link below. Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives by Steve Donohoe and…

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Rob Nickless, Co-Organiser of The Beekeeping Show here in the UK to discuss some of the things to look out for at the 2024 show. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 291 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available here Get your copy of Steve &…

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Paul Beardmore from Modern Beekeeping and Happy Valley Honey to discuss his beekeeping, honey production and online beekeeping equipment business. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 289 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Check Out Paul's website, answer a very simple question,…

In this week's Podcast: I'm joined in conversation by Luke Hutchinson from Northumberland Honey to talk about Mead, Honey and Queen Rearing Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 289 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Check Out Luke's website, answer a very simple question, and you could win a prize. Check out the link here: Northumb…

In this week's Podcast: Happy New Year, It's interview time! I'm joined by Steve Donohoe and Paul Horton to discuss their new book, Healthy Bees, Heavy Hives. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 288 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available here Get your copy of Steve & Paul's new book by clic…

In this week's Podcast: Planning for the new season, it's a big part of my winter, it helps me focus, it gets everything in it's place and it helps keep me optimistic for the new season. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 287 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. The Beekeeping Show 2024 - Tickets available here Article: Beekeeping …

In this week's Podcast: Something slightly different, Today I'm chatting with Jackie Thomas, Master Beekeeper, Training Officer for the Dover and District BKA and Asian Hornet Action Team Co-Ordinator. Time to learn more about the Asian Hornet incursions into the South East of England. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 286 of my podcast…

In this week's Podcast: What a very cold week we've just had, minus 5 degrees celsius overnight and it's left me shivering. No movement from any hives as our bees sit out the cold and hefting is about all we should now do. Me, I'm having a cuppa and planning the start of my new season and I thought I would share my top tip for Spring splits, swarm …

In this week's Podcast: It's getting colder and our colonies are all set for the long winter ahead, actually, not really, listen in for yet more of my attempts to catch up with this beekeeping season. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 284 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Dade's Anatomy and Dissection of the Honeybee Contact Me…

In this week's Podcast: Most beekeepers will have packed away their hive tools and smoker for the Winter by now, but what if you've been unable to get your bees prepared for Winter as you normally might. Listen in for an emergency hive intervention to get back on track before Santa get's here! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 283 of my…

In this week's Podcast: It's been an interesting week to say the least! I've been unboxing new equipment, scraping and pressing heather honey frames and witnessed a most disturbing scene, of a mute swan attacking another mute swan at the fishing lakes apiaries. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 282 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sw…

In this week's Podcast: November begins and the rain is unrelenting. The fishing lakes apiaries are surrounded by water, it is a fishing lake after all, but the river is overflowing into the lakes, back out into the river again and water is starting to creep towards my apiaries! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 281 of my podcast, Beeke…

In this week's Podcast: A Change to my normal podcast, as I sit down with Niki Backes and Kristina Prokopiou from the charity Bees Abroad to hear a little of what they do, and how, we beekeepers might be able to give our support. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to Episode 280 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet. Visit the Bees Abroard Webs…

In this week's Podcast: The very heavy rain we've had this week has rather forced me into the honey room to start the Big Autumn Clean Up. Mostly washing up along with the final phase of my current batch of soft set honey. It's given me time to reflect on the latest infection of |Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus, and of course, it was the bees on the he…

In this week's Podcast: I'm just back from picking a giant pumpkin with my grandchildren, it's nice to know that somewhere in Essex other children are running around a big field, choosing pumpkins that our bees helped to pollinate. In other news, it's suddenly a lot cooler, something of a shock for us and our bees no doubt! Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks a…

In this week's Podcast: It's October and the unseasonably warm weather persists. Our bees continue to forage the remaining Ivy flowers, and I'm chasing my tail trying to catch up with a very long list of jobs for this time of year. The good news is I recovered well enough from my cold to visit the Hampshire Beekeepers Association Annual Convention …

In this week's Podcast: Warm weather continues here in Norfolk and our colonies are working hard on the Ivy that's now in full flower. It is an opportunity, for some, to grab a late crop of honey but I've been busy at the unit with cut comb and, finally, the heather honey press, it's been an interesting week. Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks and welcome to E…