Hi Valli Just been reading your post on wintering flow hive in uk. I’m in Cumbria and it’s getting fairly cold in the morning and most of the day. I just got a nuc in July and they seem to be doing really well with lots of weight in the hive. I got some insulating roll from B&Q like you said. I was wondering if I need to remove the screen board and leave the bottom open or leave it in. How much ventilation do they need without getting chilled. The hive is raised off the floor about 14inches. Thanks
You really need to speak to someone in your local area. I’m in the Midlands and we don’t have the amount of cold, rain, and snow that you get.
It also depend on where you hives are situated, are they protected from the elements by a wall, trees, out in a field, there are so many variables that will make a difference to what you do.
You have not said what hive the bees are in currently, or if wood, poly, or 6, 8, or 10 frames in the hive. If you are brood, double brood.
This is why when you ask 3 beekeepers you get 6 answers.
I don’t know what your forage is or throughout the year.
There are just so many variables.
So you need to speak to local beekeepers and see what is best in your area.
The biggest thing I tell people is “Flow hives are just a method for extracting honey” You need to know your bees, your conditions, your forage, you need to understand the bee life cycle, basically you need to become a bee keeper not a keeper of bees.
If you asked me how long is a piece of string you would get a similar answer.
Speak with local bee keepers.
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Thank you but the nearest assohas been locked down since March
Associations have all been locked down but are still doing Zoom Meetings and there are always phone calls.
The bees don’t lock down life continues. As a beekeeper even in lockdown, we are allowed to go to our bees as they are livestock.
When you become a member of the BBKA you will also have local and/or regional membership.
I belong to Solihull which is part of Warwickshire. We have monthly meetings during winter normally and they have just moved to zoom this year. Some Associations are running beginners courses online this year.
The National Honey Show goes to zoom on Thursday this week until Saturday - register before midnight Wednesday - it’s free this year.
There is no excuse for not contacting your local branch.