Tag Archives: bumblebees

Photos and bee notes from a pollinator day at Kew

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Emily Scott

A couple of weeks ago I had a day off while Tommy was at nursery. Time to myself! Trying not to feel guilty, I went to a ‘Pollinator day’ on 20th July at Kew. The day involved lots of talks … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 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

‘The Bees Knees’ – notes from a talk by Dave Goulson

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Emily Scott

I went to see bumble bee expert Dave Goulson speak recently at a London zoo lates talk. Security guards escorted the audience through the darkening zoo to the B.U.G.S (Biodiversity Underpinning Global Survival) House, giving us glimpses of graceful pink flamingoes … Continue reading →

Posted in Events | Tagged | 13 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

London Honey Show 2014: part 1, Dave Goulson

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Emily Scott

On Monday 6th October I went to the fourth annual London Honey Show, an event celebrating London’s honey and bees in general. As well as a honey tasting competition, there are stalls selling food, beekeeping books and beauty products, plus … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Urban beekeeping | Tagged | 24 Comments

Book review: A Sting in the Tale by Dave Goulson (2013)

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Emily Scott

I bought this new book by Dave Goulson, founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, after hearing him speak at the ‘Future without bees‘ talk at the Southbank Centre. And it’s brilliant: entertaining, an insight into a life spent investigating nature … Continue reading →

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Friends of the Earth ‘Bees in Danger’ awareness meeting, 21st November 2012: Part 2

Posted on November 23, 2012 by Emily Scott

A follow-on post from yesterday’s, on a Friends of the Earth ‘Bees in danger’ meeting I went to on Wednesday night. Our second talk of the evening was from Rob Mitton, an MSc student from Royal Holloway College, who explained … Continue reading →

Posted in Bee biology | Tagged , | 18 Comments

Bee Keepers’ Day – The decline of insect pollinators

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Emily Scott

Yesterday I went to the Federation of Middlesex Beekeepers’ Associations annual ‘Bee Keepers’ Day‘. Each year the Middlesex associations (Ealing, Enfield, Harrow, North London, Pinner & Ruislip) take it in turn to host a day of beekeeping talks; this year … Continue reading →

Posted in Bees | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

Buzz…Paintings and Drawings by Valerie Littlewood

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Emily Scott

I just wanted to say a few words recommending the work of Valerie Littlewood, a native bees artist who I discovered at the recent London Honey Show. Her blog can be found at http://www.pencilandleaf.blogspot.com. It has plenty of information about … Continue reading →

Posted in Bees | Tagged , | 4 Comments

What’s flowering now: late June

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Emily Scott

After a week of rain and cloud the weather seems to be on a turn for the better, just as the weekend arrives. The bees will be pleased; the rain will have helped flowers produce nectar and the sunny weather … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 8 Comments