A swarm of refugees

A few weeks ago, Tyninghame Community Farm were happy to be able to provide a refuge for 20,000 bees that urgently needed a new home when the hedge that had sheltered them at North Berwick High School was razed to the ground. Without any forewarning, the beekeepers, Craig Stebbing and Clive Baker, had to find a new site for two hives before Storm Isha struck.

The ‘three feet or three miles’ rule means you either have to re-locate a hive very close to its original position or at least three miles away, otherwise the colony return to their original location. Luckily Clive already has bees at St Baldreds and knew there would be room for some temporary hives. Once the school grounds have been re-landscaped the hives will be returned, where they have a valuable educational role.

Bees are unlikely to fly in winter unless it is exceptionally mild and sunny weather, so these colonies might never sample Tyninghame’s late winter pollen: hazel, willow, snowdrop and crocus. But if they do, we hope they find it delicious!