June 16th 2021
Buzzing with excitement
Last autumn we were lucky enough to begin working with Filipe Salbany, rowing coach for the Oxford Blues, and a world-renowned bee expert (who just happens to live locally). He has given us so much of his time and expertise; it is a real privilege to work with and learn from him. Filipe rehomed two colonies that had both come from swarms found here in Moulsford. He is passionate about working with bees in a low impact way that benefits the colonies. For him, it’s not just about honey production and to this end he is currently working with the Blenheim Palace Estate caring for their wild bee colonies. Sadly, one of our colonies died out over the winter due to the cold weather, but we have over the past two weeks, successfully introduced another local wild swarm into the vacant hive and things are again looking positive.
Bees are not only hugely important as pollinators to the environment, but are also the most incredible insects. The long-term aim is to share the experience of caring for the hives with our boys and allow them to be a part of this incredible learning journey. We are hugely grateful to the MPA who have just granted additional funds to purchase some different types of hives, materials for swarm boxes and other equipment. This is in addition to the bee suits the MPA have bought that 4S have already used for their latest assembly.
The Bee Team
