FOR thousands of years man’s relationship with bees has been a harmonious one from the pollination of plants to the production of honey.

Source: VIDEO: Experts say bees hold the secret to tackling human infections (From Herald Scotland)

Last week was hellish as far as the weather was concerned. Whenever I was near, it was tipping down monsoon-style.

So, after a weekend away, of course, I heard I’d lost a swarm. Anyway, just as I was looking through a rather empty looking box, I found these bees paying rather a lot of attention to this queen cell. So, I picked it open and see what happened.

By the way, the queen cell immediately below this one was a dud. There was nothing in it, so I don’t know why they made a multi-storey cell for Her Majesty.

And yes, I know the comb is a bit crappy – it’s due for a change, OK?

Defra has rejected an emergency application for growers to use banned neonicotinoid seed treatments on oilseed rape this autumn, reports Farmer’s Weekly.

Was sent this picture of a swarm in Romford yesterday. First one I have seen this year. I don’t know if someone got it or it moved on.

Was sent this picture of a swarm.in Romford yesterday. First one I have seen this year. I don’t know if someone got it or it moved on.

If bees die out, we’re basically doomed.

Source: Aldi Sud stores ban pesticides that are harmful to bees – first in Europe to do so | Metro News

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,400 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Beekeepers from Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia have protested against what they describe as poor quality Chinese honey imports. They want the European Union to ban these products, saying there are…

Source: Protesting beekeepers stung by ‘fake’ Chinese honey | euronews, Europe

Found this on Vimeo by a group wishing to make the plight of solitary bees better known. Please watch the video and find out about these fascinating – and crucial – insects. 

90% of Britain’s bees are Solitary Bees. They are crucial pollinators, yet are little known or conserved. This film aims to change that.

This film showcases the fascinating behaviour and value of the UK’s solitary bees. We follow a variety of different species through their struggles to find resources, avoid death and create new life.
Ideal for anyone who loves our bees and nature!

Our main aim is for this film to not only entertain, but to be used as a free educational resource. If you would like to use The Solitary Bees in an educational setting, please contact Team Candiru for a free HD download.

We have had the support of the National Trust, Natural England, Buglife, Environmental Justice Foundation, Nuturing-Nature, Campaign for the Solitary Bees, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Natural History Network, Wildlife Film-News, Bristol Zoo Gardens and Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project and a huge thank you goes out to them for their advice and help with access and sponsorship.

So what’s next for Team Candiru? We are making a film about the Bees of California. Please follow this link for more information!helpabee.org/ca-native-bee-documentary.html