Making a Skep

A skep is a type of traditional beehive. This particular skep is being made from straw but other materials were, and still are, used by bee-keepers to make homes for their honey bees.

In October I was fortunate to attend a most enjoyable workshop at the National Honey Show where Mr. Chris Park of Acorn Education taught a small group of bee-keepers this ancient technique.

A Cloud of Yew Pollen

Walking near the churchyard I noticed an ancient yew tree was flowering.
When I shook a branch a cloud of pollen was released, and I found I was covered in pollen grains.


Yew pollen from Marion Malcher on Vimeo.

Early in the year honey bees require good sources of protein to feed the larvae in their expanding nests. Yew pollen is a valuable protein source although, along with other dry wind blown pollens, bees only use it when other sources are unavailable. The Yew tree does not yield nectar.

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