It was fantastic to hear recently that many Isle of Wight beekeepers have had a great year, with bumper crops and big increases in hive numbers.
A first in 30 years
Considered by many as the Queen of Beekeepers on the Isle of Wight, top honey producer Mary Case, told OnTheWight,
“Following a mild and wet winter, all my colonies came through the winter, which is a first in 30 years beekeeping.
“The high moisture in the soil and the long warm summer has produced a bumper crop of excellent quality honey and enabled me to increase hive numbers by a third.
“Bumble bees and butterflies have also increased been more prolific this summer and I was thrilled to see a hummingbird Hawk moth return to the garden.”
Don’t miss the 2014 Honey Show
You can check out the bumper crops from other beekeepers at the Isle of Wight Honey show which returns to Arreton Community Hall from 2.30pm on Saturday 8th November.
The show displays local honey, beeswax and hive products an even include Mead (can’t wait to taste this again) and cookery dishes.
The honey and beeswax classes are judged by a trained honey judge from Hampshire, the miscellaneous class is judged by veteran beekeepers, with specialist judges for the photography and cookery classes.
We’ll remind you of the event nearer the time, but make sure to put the date in your diary.
For more information about the Isle of Wight Beekeepers Association, visit their Website.
Image: © Mary Case
