Bees anyone?

mrswive

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, but I've never yet asked a question that the OSers can't answer!
DH and I are seriously considering getting some bees. We've been reading up on the subject and would really appreciate any advice from the beekeepers amongst you.

Byatt

I have no idea, but thought I would bump this in the hope someone does!

AdmiralX

mrswive wrote: »

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post, but I've never yet asked a question that the OSers can't answer!
DH and I are seriously considering getting some bees. We've been reading up on the subject and would really appreciate any advice from the beekeepers amongst you.

Where do you want to set them up? I was interested once and never stopped to do so, I ve got a garden. I got advice from the people who sell the beekeeping Supplies and equipment in London SE. I have friends who keep bees in a North London roof, and I ve seen a SE London garden where bees were kept.

soupdragon10

We used to keep bees and they were on the whole pretty inoffensive creatures. It would be worth trying to find your local beekeeping association or contact the local council as they usually have information about the local 'bee man' who will remove unwanted swarms.

Equipment can be expensive, although you can build some of it yourself if you are reasonably good at carpentry.

Bees are having all kinds of problems at the moment, so anyone who keeps them is certainly helping them to survive.

Best of luck

elsien

Found this which might help.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2383751

There's also apparently these who can give local help and advice if there's anyone in your area.
http://www.bbka.org.uk/about/local_associations/

wifefaefife

http://www.iwbka.org.uk/about.htm

HTH

Kitten_Pie

Just seen this thread, I keep bees in SE London. Still a novice really but happy to help if needed.

I would suggest joining your local association, even if you don't keep bees they are a friendly lot and you can always help out while you learn the skills.

AdmiralX

Kitten_Pie wrote: »

Just seen this thread, I keep bees in SE London. Still a novice really but happy to help if needed.

I would suggest joining your local association, even if you don't keep bees they are a friendly lot and you can always help out while you learn the skills.

Wonderful I live in SE London. There are plenty of gardens around. There is a road with modern houses near me and some have lavender bushes, it is a pleasure to see the bees all over, especially in the thick of it in urban area

Kitten_Pie

Roots and Shoots based in SE London do a beginners introduction to beekeeping. OH bought it for me one year for christmas. It is a day course but goes through the basics.

http://www.rootsandshoots.org.uk/