As we welcome the New Year, the honeybees across Scotland are huddling together keeping each other warm in their hives. Winter is the time all beekeepers get prepared for the season ahead but keep a watchful eye on their honeybees and food stores.
As the schools returned after the festivities, we had fun with some after school clubs and groups chatting about bees, honeybees and pollination. Sampling some delicious Scottish heather honey was a special treat afterwards. The youngsters at the B.A.S.I.C after school club in Helensburgh were so attentive and some even had the pleasure of crowning themselves queen bees for the day!
Queen Bees and Fab Listeners at B.A.S.I.C After School Club
Staying in Helensburgh we met the cubs from 4th Helensburgh Scout Group, and had great fun going on a honeybee journey of discovery. And the best bit? Recreating the Waggle Dance, the dance honeybees use to communicate where all the lovely food can be found.
A wiggle and a waggle by the 4th Helensburgh Cubs
Lastly, we had the pleasure of providing some pollinator leaflets and bee friendship bracelets to Glasgow and District Beekeepers’ Association who have entered their Centenary Year! To kick off their year of celebrations they have installed a wonderful beekeeping exhibit at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. Not only can you see how beekeeping has changed across the century, but there’s also the opportunity to watch the honeybees in action thanks to Charlie Irwin who has kept an observation hive at the art gallery for 30 years! Well done all!
