Catching a Woodland Bee Swarm / Honeybees for Free
Take a leisurely stroll with Tim and Maddy Harland, the visionary founders of Permaculture magazine, through the woodland at their new home in north Devon.
Join us as we explore a 19th-century railway bridge that spans a stream that flows straight off Exmoor. Amongst the trees, on top of the bridge, you'll see a small box where wild honeybees have swarmed, enticed by an old comb frame infused with the scent of lemon grass essential oil which mimics a Queen bee's pheromones.
Watch as Maddy gently adds frames to the hive, ensuring minimal disturbance to the bees.
One of the remarkable qualities of locally adapted bees is their resilience. These gentle bees are well-suited to their environment, flying even in lower temperatures and foraging much the year. They've also earned a reputation for their increased resistance to the varroa mite, a common threat to bee colonies.
Stay tuned to our channel for more videos from Maddy and Tim's new woodland home. We'll continue to explore the world of permaculture, no-dig gardening, renewable energy, low-impact living, and community resilience. For further inspiration and valuable insights, visit our website at https://www.permaculture.co.uk/.