First Inspection Cases

N.B. Previous articles and newsletters are available to all readers for 3 months on our Substack archive here.
Full unlimited access to our archive is included with a paid subscription.

---

We wrote in a previous article about our objectives when carrying out the first full inspections of the year. It’s important to have a clear and disciplined plan of what needs checking, to ensure colonies are as well prepared as possible before they enter the main season. That said, even after so many years, there are still moments when focus drifts and the work gives way, briefly, to simply standing, looking and listening to the hive - just “bathing in the buzz”. That, after all, is what keeps me doing this.

Before opening the first hive, I will often take time to watch the entrance. There is much that can be gleaned about the state of the colony from what is happening outside, but it is also, simply, a source of quiet pleasure. I don’t know anyone who is not entranced by seeing the multi-coloured saddle bags of pollen being brought home by the bees. Take it further if you get the chance. Lie down in front of a busy hive with your head just below the entrance and look up into the stream of bees against the sky. It is hard not to feel a sense of awe that has never waned for me. After nourishing my soul, it’s time to get a grip and get back to work and the task in hand!

So what stood out for us this time? The date of inspection was 6th April.

---

The full article is for paid subscribers. Please subscribe to read the rest.