Canalside Community Bees was established in 2012. We are based at the site of Canalside Community Food (canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk/) which is a community supported agriculture project providing weekly shares of organic vegetables. At the 2011 AGM of CCF some members suggested a bee club. And so we came into existence.
In 2012 we had around 20 members. We started off with 4 national hives which belonged to one of the members. We expanded by two hives: a further national hive with a nucleus bought from a local beekeeper; and a top bar hive which we made and filled with a swarm we caught.
Top bar hives are said to be more 'natural' and though they are harder to handle, the bees are supposed to be more healthy. We plan to experiment and compare experiences with these different hives.
The weather was not great in 2012 and the bees struggled to get out of the hives during all that rain. So we had a very limited harvest of honey. But we are optimistic about 2013.
In 2013 we have received a grand from Warwickshire LEADER Get Growing Project. This will be used to buy a large shed or "club house", more equipment, plants for a nectar garden, and to invite a speaker on natural beekeeping. Keep an eye on the main blog for details of activities.
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