THE ESSEX BEEKEEPER

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Furthering the Craft of Bee keeping in Essex Monthly MaReggaistzineered of C hathreit yE nussmexb erBe 10e31ke41epe9 rs’ Association

Fuwrthewringw the.eb Craftka of Be.oekergepin g in Essex Registered Charity number 1031419 www.ebka.org

Issue No. 640 April 2018

16 Divisional Meetings - dates for April & May 2018 WHO’S WHO & HOW TO CONTACT THEM

President of EBKA Pat Allen Hon CLM Thursday Top Bar Hive - Peter Aldridge. 5 April Romford Trustees: 8.00pm Chadwick Hall, Main Road, Gidea Park RM2 5EL Chairman: Ian Nichols 17 Dyers Hall Road, Leytonstone, London E11 4AD Thursday The Shook swarm - Kings Church, Red Willow, email [email protected] tel. 0208 558 4733 / 07980 299 638 5 April Harlow Secretary: Michael Webb 19 Ingrebourne Gardens, Upminster, Essex RM14 1BQ 8.00pm Harlow email [email protected] tel. 01708 250 606 / 07712 490 511 Monday Queen rearing & swarm Control - The Link, Treasurer: Tom Keeper Kingfishers, 2 Chandlers, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8NY 16 April Chelmsford email [email protected] tel: 07722 454 974 / 01621 784 626 7.30pm Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2XB Divisional Trustees: Queen Rearing by Ted Gradosielski. Tuesday Saffron Braintree Stuart Mitson [email protected] 17 April Foakes Hall, 47 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow CM6 7.30pm Walden Chelmsford Jan Tutton [email protected] 1DG Colchester Tony Rand [email protected] Wed Dengie 100 The role of the NBU - Mike Brown (National Bee Dengie Hundred & Maldon Kate Tuerena [email protected] 18 April 7.30pm & Maldon Unit) - The Oakhouse, High Street, Maldon CM9 6QX Epping Forest Don McHale [email protected] Harlow Nick Holmes [email protected] Friday Epping Wax Processing - Barbara Dalby. 20 April 7.30pm Forest Chingford Horticultural Hall. Romford Paul Wiltshire [email protected] Saffron Walden Vanessa Wilkinson [email protected] Sunday County Ted Hooper Memorial Lecture - Writtle University 22 April Southend Jean Smye [email protected] 2.00pm Event College, Lordship lane, Chelmsford CM1 3RP Divisional Contacts: Saffron Woodworking session at Bambers Green CM22 28 April Saturday Braintree: Jan French 07725 166 609 Chelmsford: James Curtis 07940 757 831 Walden 6PE Colchester: Morag Chase 01206 522 576 D.H. & Maldon: Carlie Mayes 07979 862 952 Sunday Apiary meeting - Coney Green, Great Bardfield CM7 Harlow: Nick Holmes 07730 735 752 Epping Forest: Robin Harman 07971 237 312 29 April Braintree 3.00pm 4PV - Pat Rowland 01376 326 036 Romford: Pat Allen 01708 220 897 Saffron Walden: Vanessa Wilkinson 01799 542 337 Southend: Pat Holden 01702 477 592 Thursday Fun with Pollen Traps - Bob Smith, Chadwick Hall, 3 May Romford 7.30pm Main Road, Gidea Park RM2 5EL EBKA Education Secretary: Jane Ridler Old Barn House, 36 Walden Road, Sewards End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 2LF Saturday Saffron 01799 218 023 [email protected] 5 May Swarm Collection - Wimbish CB10 2UY 2.30pm Walden EBKA Examinations Secretary: Pat Allen , 8 Franks Cottages, St Mary’s Lane, Dengie 100 Upminster, Essex RM14 3NU 16 May Wed Apiary meeting - Carters Apiary, Maldon & Maldon The Essex Beekeeper Magazine:

email: Saturday Saffron Editor: Jean Smye, [email protected] tel. 07731 856 361 19 May Managing your apiary - Great Easton CM6 2HD 2.30pm Walden Advertising: Jean Smye email: [email protected] tel. 07731 856 361 Mailing Secretary: Michael Elliott email: [email protected] Sunday Essex Young Farmers Show, Boyton Hall, Roxwell 20 May Braintree Web site: Nick Holmes email: [email protected] 10 - 4 CM1 4LT

Printed by Streamset, 12 Rose Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LY Epping Ley Lines. Roger Patterson. Possible BBQ too Regional Bee Inspectors for EBKA Region: 20 May Sunday Forest 1st Outdoor meeting at Wanstead Apiary Epping Forest and Romford Divisions (excluding Brentwood):

Diane Steele [email protected] tel. Sunday Apiary Meeting - Littley Green. Telephone Stuart 27 May Braintree 3.00pm Mitson 01376 340 683 All other Divisions: Keith Morgan [email protected] tel. 01485 520 838 or 07919 004 215

2 15 Is this the future for observation hives? The Ted Hooper

This is a Ruche pedagogique beepasse urbaine, or an urban bee pass Memorial Lecture teaching hive. It’s got more widows than a Microsoft driven computer, and a 2pm Sunday 22 April 2018 security system holding it in place that Donald J Trump would never stop Tweeting about. at the Lecture Theatre It hasn’t got an entrance, I hear you cry! Oh yes it has. That’s the best bit. Writtle University College

CM1 3RP

This year’s guest speakers are: Professor Richard Pywell Richard is the Senior Principal Scientist at the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. He will talk about his research supporting wildflowers boosting natural predators widely published in the national press at the end of January and the Honey Monitoring Scheme researching neonicotinoids in honey. Norman Carreck Norman is the Science Director at the International Bee Research Association (IBRA) based at Sussex University and he will talk about the work of the IBRA and, in particular, about the founder, Eva Crane.

This is the third Ted Hooper Memorial lecture which is an important

event in the beekeeping calendar. Members again will have the

opportunity to hear the presentations from key speakers on topics

that are of interest and relevance today. It is also a good opportunity

to catch up with old friends and meet in the new surroundings at

Writtle University College.

The ticket price, including refreshments, is £10 The theory is that it isolates the flight of the honey bees by allowing them to and must be purchased in advance. go up and down the chimney and to enter and exit more than 2.5m above ground. Go to the “What’s On” section on the front page of the EBKA Website (www.ebka.org) and book your place and pay for the Ted Hooper Lecture The observers are free to view at ground level giving them the opportunity to online. observe bees without disturbing them and therefore in greater safety. The email receipt is your ticket which you can either print or retain on your Cost? - 3,700 Euros (We won’t see one at the Orsett Show then!) mobile phone to present on the day. Alternatively, please phone Michael Thanks to Fred Clarke - Somerton BKA for drawing our attention to this item of ‘must Webb on 07712 490511 / 01798 260606 to reserve your place at the lecture -have’ equipment.

14 3 Trustee Training and Treasurers’ Seminar There are numerous interesting and informative meetings throughout our county organised every month by each of the – Saturday 10 March Divisions.

In recent weeks some charities have been criticised in the national press for As an EBKA member you may attend the meetings of any of the a lack of good governance which had led to certain abuses having been 9 Divisions - but be courteous and let the Secretary/Divisional identified within these organisations. Contact know that you will be attending. The contact details are As part of its review, the EBKA Governance Sub-Committee agreed that in order to maintain good governance going forward, a programme of training on page 15. would assist those divisional members who undertake activities on behalf of The editor will always welcomes Reports/articles on the content the EBKA. As a charity we have to report annually to the Charity Commission providing our accounts, a report by the chair of the Central of talks to ensure your Essex Beekeeper reflects the diversity and Executive Committee (CEC) and information about whether we have range of beekeeping in Essex. specific policies in place.

A training session was arranged for Trustees, who we know as Divisional Voting Members (DVMs) and who are elected by the Divisions. It was also felt that as there were many new Divisional Treasurers recently elected, DRONE CONGREGATION AREAS including Tom Keeper, the County Treasurer who was appointed at last year’s AGM, a meeting for them to discuss issues would help in managing the financial and membership information they provide for the annual consolidated accounts and membership data for the BBKA.

Peter Aldridge’s presentation to trustees on their duties and responsibilities was well received, particularly the point that, as a charity, we must consider the public benefit in conjunction with the EBKA’s aim of furthering the craft of beekeeping.

Whilst trustees are appointed following election by each Division, the trustee’s duty and responsibility is to act for the benefit of the EBKA and not be just a representative for their Division.

However, it is important that trustees act as a conduit, keeping open a dialogue between the members and the Board. As a charity we are governed by the Charities Acts of 2011 and 2016 and should, wherever possible, comply with best practice. This should include having policies on a range of guidelines which it is proposed should be agreed and introduced as soon as possible. The morning session concluded with a review of the Couldn’t resist this. Thanks to Somerton & District BKA EBKA rules and those trustees present signed the Trustee Agreement confirming

4 13 Top Ten Tips for Healthy Bees confirming that they had received appropriate training, accepted a trustee code of conduct and confirming that they were legally eligible to be a From Bee Diseases Insurance Ltd (BDI) Trustee.

In May this year the new data protection regulations (GDPR) Keep the apiary clean and tidy Make sure you are familiar with come into force and, as part of and practice good hygiene. the symptoms and causes of the training, Chad Colby Blake Clean hive tools in washing soda brood disorders especially the gave a presentation on the and use disposable or washable foul broods. Inspect your new requirements to both gloves. Wash bee suits, when colonies, at the very least every Trustees and Treasurers. dirty, and tuck the hood into the spring and autumn, specifically to body or inside an arm to protect check for brood disease. If you

it. are unsure, seek expert advice. At a sandwich lunch, Trustees, Treasurers Never buy old combs. Always and presenters had an opportunity to sterilise second hand equipment Never buy colonies of bees discuss relevant issues and meet with others in a relaxed and informal way. by thoroughly scorching with a unless you are sure that they blow lamp before use. come from disease free apiaries. In the afternoon Tom Keeper and Polystyrene or plastic hives Swarms should be hived onto Pat Allen, the Membership Secretary, gave presentations to should be sterilised by cleaning foundation and kept in an Divisional Treasurers, all of whom them with washing soda isolation apiary until you are expressed the need for such followed by immersion for at sure they are disease free. assistance and a chance to hear least 20 minutes in 0.5% from other treasurers about how they dealt with particular issues. If a colony of bees dies out at any time, seal the hive to If a colony is not thriving and the The feedback from those attending was that it was a most prevent robbing, and when reason is unknown, examine the useful and informative exercise. Several asked that such an event should convenient examine the brood brood for signs of disease. happen on a regular basis where officials from the divisions get a chance to comb for signs of disease. air matters that concern them.

Ted Gradosieiski, the chair of the Governance Sub-Committee in summing Replace old brood combs Prevent robbing in the apiary. up the proceeding said that we should look for ways to make life easier for regularly by melting them down those who undertake duties on behalf of the charity. He suggested that the Do not discard comb or spill and replacing with frames fitted introduction of an integrated system used by divisions could be the way with foundation. honey or syrup in the apiary. forward.

In thanking those who had given up part of their weekend to attend, all seemed to feel that it had been worthwhile. Never feed honey from another Arrange hives in such a way that source to your bees. drifting is kept to a minimum. Michael Webb Secretary EBKA

12 5

EFSA says risk to bees from Advice for aspiring beekeepers neonicotinoids is confirmed You always wanted to become a beekeeper European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) and now you’re on the course and on your way. has released its peer review of 1500 studies looking at whether neonico- tinoids harm honeybees, bumblebees and wild bees. Most uses of neonico- Most beekeepers start off with one or two colonies to study bee behaviour tinoid pesticides represent a risk to wild bees and honeybees, according to and obtain a small amount of honey to sell. A few colonies are all they want assessments published today by EFSA. to manage and even those take up enough time. After a few years of The Authority has updated its risk assessments of three neonicotinoids – experience, some beekeepers then decide to increase their stocks and go clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam – that are currently subject commercial. Anybody intending to be a beekeeper should firstly become to restrictions in the EU because of the threat they pose to bees. familiar with honey bees, after all, the honey bee, whilst a fascinating creature, is an unusual insect to keep and it is much more difficult than you These new conclusions update those published in 2013, after which the may first think! European Commission imposed controls on use of the substances.

For the new assessments, which this time cover wild bees – bumblebees Before taking up the craft, bear the following in mind: keeping bees is a form and solitary bees – as well as honeybees, EFSA’s Pesticides Unit carried out of livestock management. They require looking after and even with a few an extensive data collection exercise, including a systematic literature colonies, weekly inspections are needed. Beekeepers have a duty of care review, to gather all the scientific evidence published since the previous to look after them properly; it can be quite demanding and heavy work at evaluations. times. For example, one super can weigh in excess of 20-25kg. Additionally, shifting colonies for pollination or to different honey flows can It says the risk is confirmed. be very strenuous and tiresome; working long hours into the night. It means making sure colonies have enough food at all times and enough space to Update to BBKA Statement on expand the colony during the season. In the summer months, beekeepers Neonicotinoid Pesticides need to carry out inspections each week:

– 28th February 2018. To control the swarming impulse (if they swarm, you'll lose up to half of the colony) -

British Beekeepers Association still supports EU ban on neonicotinoid • To make sure that your colonies have young prolific queens; pesticides. • That they are kept disease free – brood should be checked twice a

Introduction year, firstly in spring and the secondly in early autumn; This statement provides a further update on the position of the British • To ensure that Varroa populations are kept down to manageable levels Beekeepers Association in relation to the EU moratorium on the use of using appropriate medicines and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) certain Neonicotinoid Pesticides released on 30th June 2017 and updated systems. You cannot keep bees that are ‘Varroa free’ in the UK. 9th November 2017. This update follows the release by the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) of their findings in relation to this issue. Colony management is necessary and these notes only just touch the surface of the work that is required, see BeeBase website http:// BBKA Comments www.nationalbeeunit.com As with the comments of the UK government, the EFSA findings have been led by sound science, something the BBKA has been consistent in calling Taken from BeeBase website - Crown copyright - used with permission for, as a basis for politicians to then make policy decisions.

6 11 The EFSA have concluded: PETER DALBY - PEBADALE APIARIES • Bees can be exposed to neonicotinoids in multiple ways, For all your beekeeping and apitherapy supplies depending on the use of the pesticide. The assessments Large Stock held - all year round indicated that in many cases bees foraging on the treated crop in the field as well as in its vicinity are likely to be Competitive prices; any item not stocked to special order exposed to harmful levels of the neonicotinoid pesticides. 37 Cecil Road, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 8TN This is because pollen and nectar of the treated crop contain pesticide residues, and plants in the vicinity can also be Tel: 01992 622645 Email: [email protected] contaminated by dust drifting away from the field. In Open Mon - Sat Telephone before calling addition, the soil where the crop is planted can become (any reasonable time) contaminated with the pesticide. In some situations, the pesticide may persist and accumulate in the soil. These CLOSED SUNDAY residues end up in the pollen and nectar of the newly grown Agent for E H Thorne and Northern Bee Books plants. The information on this phenomenon is somewhat limited, but EFSA concluded that, in some cases, bees might still be exposed to harmful level of neonicotinoids pesticides through this route.

• There is variability in the conclusions, due to factors such as The Bee Shed the bee species, the intended use of the pesticide and the Approved National Bee Supplies Stockist and Distributor route of exposure. Some low risks have been identified, but overall the risk to the three types of bees we have assessed A Range of Frames and Foundation is confirmed.

Hives and Hive Parts, Tools and Equipment The position of the BBKA has, and continues to be ‘That, until there is convincing independent scientific evidence that neonicotinoid pesticides are Open by Appointment: Please call Wendy on 07764 609 803 or not harmful to honey bees, the BBKA will support the continuation of the EU Email: [email protected] moratorium on their use’

f The Bee Shed Stock This advice to the policy makers of the European Union is similar to that provided to the UK government and means that the BBKA will support the Meepshole, Great Prestons Lane, continuation of the moratorium on their use and would support an overall banning of their use. Stock, Essex CM4 9RL It will now be up to the EU policy makers to decide whether to continue with the moratorium or indeed to ban the use of the particular neonicotinoids permanently.

We continue to remain concerned however that any alternative treatments

Items appearing in The Essex Beekeeper are not necessarily used do not cause harm to honey bees and other pollinators.

the view of the editor or EBKA. Martin Smith - Director of Communications [email protected]

10 7 the National Bee Unit website [http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm? AROUND THE DIVISIONS pageid=208]. Andrew gave us helpful tips and advice on constructing traps, Report by Vanessa Wilkinson on a talk by Andrew Durham when and where these should be sited, and defence measures that should be taken throughout the year. Full details can be found in the BBKA magazine articles. The Asian Hornet Spring trapping is the first task in late February/early March. Saffron Walden Division's 'Founder' queens first meeting of the year was establish a nest in the a talk on The Asian Hornet spring that in turn by Andrew Durham, produces hundreds of Cambridgeshire Beekeepers 'sexuals', male and female hornets which Association. mate resulting in more

We were delighted to welcome Andrew as our speaker following his founder queens. comprehensive articles on a beekeeper's defence strategy against the Simple funnel-shaped Asian Hornet Nest hornet published in the BBKA magazine (Aug and Sept 2017). traps containing sweet The Asian Hornet arrived in south west France in 2004, probably in a carbohydrate bait are effective and these need to be placed in the sun, close consignment of pottery from China. It is now established throughout France to potential overwintering sites, e.g. log piles, or close to water. However, and present in other European countries. In 2016, hornets were discovered ecologists are concerned about the effects of using non-selective traps on in Jersey and in Tetbury, Gloucester, followed by a confirmed nest near native wasps, hornets and other insects (i.e. those that allow the trapped Woolacombe, Devon in 2017 (subsequently destroyed). insects to drown and that do not have 5.5 mm escape holes for non-target insects). The Asian Hornet is an aggressive “Ecologists are concerned predator of pollinating insects including Once bee colonies start to expand in the summer, they can be helped to honeybees. Andrew described the French defend the hive from a potential hornet attack. Andrew advised identifying about the effects of using experience of hornet invasion and insights weaker colonies and merging them to create stronger, more resilient ones. gained from beekeepers' strategies to In addition, grass should be allowed to grow up in front of hives, a wire non-selective traps on defend their hives, and he reflected on 'muzzle' constructed to attach to the landing board, and the hive entrance lessons for UK beekeepers. His research width reduced. Funnel traps set up in the apiary should contain a protein- native wasps, hornets and has produced some startling statistics, for based bait at this time of year. example, in some of the worst affected other insects (i.e. those that The use of Vita Europe's Apishield hornet trap, which replaces the traditional areas over 40% overwintering mortality solid hive floor, has been shown to be effective in late summer/autumn when rates were reported in colonies weakened allow the trapped insects to 'sexuals' emerge. Further use of funnel traps with juice bait is suggested in by the hornet; and honey production has the autumn. fallen in France from 40,000 tons in 2005 drown and that do not have to 11,000 tons in 2017 (although other There are clearly a number of measures to take on board. These are all factors contributed to the decline). clearly described in Andrew's articles in the BBKA magazine. However, 5.5 mm escape holes for hearing his excellent, well-illustrated presentation raised our awareness and Given the pattern of spread of the insect, was a timely call to action. monitoring is strongly encouraged in the non-target insects).” Photographs: Crown copyright - reproduced with permission UK this year. This echoes the advice on

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