Category Archives: Foraging

What’s flowering now: early June

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Emily Scott

The flowers have moved on since my last post in May. Some are still with us – white dead-nettle, gorse, dandelions, green alkanet; while others, like horse chestnut and daffodils, have faded. London bees now have a new mix of wild … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging | Tagged | 27 Comments

What’s flowering now: early May

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Emily Scott

Ealing is particularly beautiful in April and May. Many of the roads and parks near me are lined with white and pink blossom trees. On a sunny day you can stand under them and hear the hum of bees high … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging | Tagged | 30 Comments

Are rhododendrons toxic to honey bees?

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Emily Scott

Short answer: It depends on the species of rhododendron – and also on the sub-species of honey bee visiting the rhododendron. The common rhododendron, Rhododendron ponticum, certainly does produce toxic nectar.  However, Irish research suggests the nectar may only have a negative … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging, Honey | Tagged | 24 Comments

What’s flowering now: late May

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Emily Scott

It’s been a while since I’ve done a post about what’s flowering now. Today at the London Wetland Centre I found plenty of flowers, so it seemed like a good time. Most people who go to the Centre come away with … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging | Tagged , | 31 Comments

Burdens of bees

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Emily Scott

Last week, as I walked home in the dark evening with heavy food shopping bags cutting into my hands, I started thinking about the hefty burdens worker bees carry. It looks idyllic when bees fly past with leg baskets laden with bright … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging | 34 Comments

4th Honey bee products and forage revision post: the location and function of the extra-floral nectaries of broad bean, cherry laurel, cherry and plum

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Emily Scott

Before I became a beekeeper, I can’t remember ever learning about extra-floral nectaries. No-one goes to an extra-floral nectary show, or walks down the aisle clutching a bouquet of exquisite extra-floral nectaries. The world goes by without most of us ever thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in Exams, Foraging | Tagged | 23 Comments

3rd Honey bee products and forage revision post: an account of the information that clover, field geranium, forget-me-not and horse chestnut communicate to the honey bee

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Emily Scott

2.19  an account of the importance of nectary guides to the foraging bee using a named example and describe how the following flowers, having been successfully pollinated, can indicate to bees that their visits are no longer required – clover, … Continue reading →

Posted in Exams, Foraging | Tagged | 17 Comments

1st Honey bee products and forage revision post: a list of floral sources of unpalatable honey;

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Emily Scott

I have decided to take the BBKA’s Module 2 exam, ‘Honeybee products and forage‘ in November. If I manage to pass, I’ll have passed Modules 1,2,3 & 6, which means I’ll be awarded the BBKA Intermediate Theory Certificate. Woo hoo! But … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging, Honey | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

What’s flowering now – mid April; and a new allotment site for our bees

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Emily Scott

Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know that in the summer I like to go for a walk round my local park (Elthorne Park in Hanwell) and see what wild flowers are out. Last week … Continue reading →

Posted in Foraging | Tagged , | 23 Comments