Exclusive Advice with Beekeeper Kasper

At the National Bee Supplies apiary, I am aiming to have all the hives fed and treated for varroa mites before mid-October. At the start of the month, when the weather is warm, I will have a last quick look at our hives to make sure bees do not require any more feeding.

After the bees are treated and fed, there is not much left to do in the apiary. I recommend to install mouse guards to stop any mice getting in. Simply place a mouse guard over the entrance and pin it into place. A single mouse can destroy whole bee colony over the winter months!

It is also worth strapping the hives, preventing them from falling over on any windy days.

Another you may wish to do to protect your hive is to add netting or chicken wire to stop birds getting into the hives and disturbing the bees in the winter. I highly recommend to do this in areas with lots of wild birds (woodpeckers, etc.). A few rods/stakes and a chicken wire (diameter less than 22mm) or bird netting will do the job!

 

NBS PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR – THE WINNERS

#NBSPOTY 2021 has now ended, the votes have been counted and we are delighted to announce the winning images. But just before you scroll down, thank you to everyone who entered! There were hundreds of impressive entries in this year’s competition and we appreciate every person who participated.

We are very happy to announce the winner of this year’s NBS POTY is ‘Apis mellifera’ by Steven Bailey!

Learn more about our winning entry and our 12 category winners over on our NBS POTY page!

Honey Recipes by Gill Meller

Chef and award-winning food writer Gill Meller shares his latest honey recipe! This is the perfect treat for the weekend.

Print Recipe

Parsnip & oat porridge with dates & honey

If you begin your day with oats, you’re beginning your day well, because oats are among the healthiest grains you’ll ever eat. They’re gluten-free whole grains and an important source of fibre and essential vitamins and minerals (including antioxidants). Adding grated parsnip to this recipe can only cement these health benefits, but that’s not why it’s in there. It’s there because I’ve always liked the combination of oats and parsnips together. They have a natural affinity, whether that’s in bread, in salads, in savoury crumbles, or as here, in a porridge for breakfast. Soft, caramelly dates (another good friend to the parsnip) and runny honey turn what is quite a humble meal into a real treat.
Author: Gill Meller

Ingredients

  • 100g (3½oz) large porridge oats
  • 1 parsnip (about 50g/1¾oz) peeled and grated
  • 350ml (12fl oz) whole milk
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 sticky dates, whole or chopped
  • runny honey, for trickling
  • double honey, to serve

Instructions

  • Place the porridge oats and grated parsnip in a medium heavy-based pan (a non-stick one will make the washing up so much easier). Pour over the milk and 350ml (12fl oz) of water, and add the pinch of salt. Set the pan over a medium heat and bring the liquid up to a simmer, stirring regularly. Cook the oats and parsnip mixture for 8–10 minutes, stirring continuously, until it has reached the desired consistency. If it’s a little thick, add a splash more water.
  • Spoon the porridge into wide bowls, top with dates and trickle generously with honey. At the weekend I like to serve it with a dash of cold double cream as well, but perhaps that’s just me.

WIN A Matching Tea Towel, Tea Cosy & Oven Gloves!

We’re very happy to say that Ms Langley, South Devon, has won our last monthly beekeeping competition! Our next beekeeping quiz question is here, and this time you have a chance to WIN a matching set of oven gloves, tea towel & tea cosy, all in our beautiful “Bee Happy” print!

ANSWER HERE

All you need to do is answer via our survey, and all correct answers will be entered to a prize draw. The draw closes on Wednesday 27th October – Good Luck!

Before you enter, please read the full terms and conditions.