All is not doom and gloom.

This is mainly for beekeepers. Many of you are being bombarded with negative messages from the media concerning Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and rampant Varroa infestations. True, these are problems but not everywhere and not to all beekeepers. In fact one of the positive things about it is the increased and noticeable public awareness as to the value of bees particularly in pollination. Just one example, over 80% of the world's almonds are grown in California and the commercial beekeepers migrating their colonies there have been hit severely. This sort of news starts to ring bells even with the most complacent joe-public.

Just as the UK was hit badly by Isle of Wight Disease in the early years of the last century so it will be seen that this too shall pass! Already serious attention is being given ( albeit in far too small numbers) to breeding varroa resistant strains. Some research into CCD is being carried out despite government complacency on both sides of the Atlantic.

What causes CCD? Actually there is no clear answer to this question but there is no doubt it exists. For sure I don't know the answer and I doubt whether any average beekeeper can steal a march on the scientists and find one. To paraphrase the Alcoholics Anonymous prayer - so let's try to change the things we can change.

Let's all look more closely at Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and non-chemical solutions to things like varroa. It seems resistant varroa will always triumph over chemicals unless you kill all the bees at the same time. IPM is not all icing sugar and mesh floors. Educate yourself. Also look up Demeter Beekeeping on the Web - I find it fascinating.

Remember it may be a hard-hearted attitude to see an advantage in other people's misfortune but less beekeepers means more opportunity for those of us who stick to it and work harder at maintaining as healthy stocks as possible. Recently I have seen increases in the price I get for my honey due to a perceived shortage and also heightened realisation from the public as to what exactly they will be missing if the bees die out (or beekeepers simply throw in the towel). At a time when others are preaching doom and gloom and the wimps are running for cover, it's time to expand. Get your head out of your derriere and go out there and spread your beekeeping empire still further. Sorry about this tired old expression but its true -when the going gets tough; the tough get going.

Sue and I now have four allotment sites for apiaries - expanding from two in the spring. We have closed down one country house small apiary due to distance and a pragmatic view on cost-effectiveness. You too can find new sites, we can show you how just talk to us.

More about this soon!!

Apianus