to Take Precautions

The first manipulation of the bee hives this year took place today.
We all might think that Spring has arrived and fine summer weather now stretches ahead for months....

However the bees know differently and the weather can be uncertain. We therefore make use of a wonderful piece of low technology.  A sheet of newspaper is placed above the brood box and between the new empty honey storage box called the "super"

This allows the expanding colony of bees to move at its own pace.  When the bees are ready to use the extra space they chew through the newspaper.  The advantage of this trick really becomes apparent if we do in fact have a cold spell of weather as the bees can keep themselves warm and there is little risk of the brood being chilled.

I would of course just go and sit in front of the woodburner.....