Has anyone kept bees on an allotment or know of anyone who does? Want to on mine but am having a few negative responses from committee. Would welcome your views and comments... thanks
- are they edible?? Oh - the honey is? = Tim
I found out a little about it - I'd love to do the same. A useful link http://allotments.net:8080/general/bees.htm (http://allotments.net:8080/general/bees.htm).
I was a bit luckier - I checked with all the other plot-holders; nobody is allergic to bee stings, and several were very positive (thinking of their bean crops, they were!).
It would be worth being a member of a beekeeping association, and so being part of the BBKA Insurance scheme (might also calm the committee's worries?). And, although I will be a complete beginner, I'll have access to the "wise heads" - for placing the hives and giving the bees safe airways.
Good luck - hope it works out for you
Gavin
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Hi there,
the BBKA often has local associations who run courses in winter (which are very good!)
In my case, I have an allotment, but also a couple of pitches in the club apiary, simply because learning around other people is the best way.
For an indepth article on bee stings look here: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/misc/stings.htm
As you can see, its pretty unsensational *grin*
If you grow some beans/bamboo or anything high around your hives, it'll ensure the girls launch above people's heads and so, you minimise enounters and misunderstandings.
If you cannot wait till next winter -- now is the time to contact your local association and ask if you can visit the club apiary to learn and observe. With a little luck, somone won't mind mentoring you (beekeepers love to pontificate about bees ;) and a lot of clubs have club equipment in order for beginner to adopt a hive for their first year.
As for hives on allotments and policies, to see an example, have a look here:
http://www.apbu68.dsl.pipex.com/Allotments/beesonallotments.pdf
Anyhow, your local beekeepers will know all the ropes, so get in touch with them.
have fun!
Cinnamon
many thanks to both gavin & cinnamon... good advice!!!
Am hopefully doing a short course at the local adult education centre, starts tomorrow... will let you know how it goes!
TA x
:)