A natural perspective to beekeeping
Tim Field explains what Daylesford Farm is doing to help bees.
- At the end of May/beginning of June the bees start to swarm, and at Daylesford they are allowed to do this naturally; the queens do not have their wings clipped.
- The bees are kept as naturally as possible to try and obtain a population that is suited to the land.
- At Daylesford, they have chosen to use WBC beehives, which provide good insulation for the bees to keep them warm over the winter months.
- Managing the environment around the bees is important. At Daylesford, wildflower meadows, sainfoin crops, hedgerows and woodland all act as fantastic sources of forage throughout the year; from snow drops at the start of the season to ivy at the end.
- Tim follows direction from Bees for Development and use their resources when in need of information/advice about beekeeping.
Tim Field is Environmental Surveyor at Daylesford and is a member of the Agricology Executive Board.
As Tim mentions, you can find some of the Bees for Development resources on Agricology, have a look at:
- Beekeeping and sustainability
- The importance of bees and other insect pollinators
- Land management to support bees and other insect pollinators
- Plants that are valuable for bees and other insect pollinators
- Also see Dr Nicola Bradbear’s recent blog ‘Hedgerows need to flower‘ which provides some invaluable guidance on best practice hedgerow management.
(Editor’s Note)
Associated Agricology Partner Organisation(s):
The information contained above reflects the views of the author/s and does not necessarily reflect that of Agricology and its partners.
Author:
Published date:
5th June 2017Related farming theme:
Organisation(s):
- Daylesford Organic Farm
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