Are we having a 'normal' winter and spring? We certainly had plenty of rain during the winter - and early February must have filled a few dykes. Snow came in January and February and recently we certainly had March winds with gusts of 75mph (hurricane force starts at 73mph on the Beaufort scale!). So what does all this mean for the bees and what do we need to do?

• Check hives for security if you have not yet done so. Although I had no roofs blown off, 4 hives were actually blown over and the roof was ripped off a bee-shed. The bees were fine!
• There have been reduced opportunities for early foraging, so stores may be used up more quickly. Check colonies and feed if they are light. So far I have only had to feed 6 colonies at the beginning of March, but will be checking regularly now until the flow from rape starts. Remember, hives should feel heavy.
• Crops are being held back quite nicely and although there were some flowers on rape at the beginning of March, there has not been much movement since. This is good because colonies will have time to build before the flow rather than building on it.
• Varroa. Although it is now too late for a 6 week treatment with Apistan, it would be possible to give a quick treatment with thymol before the flow if your colonies need it. Check varroa numbers and make a decision now!
• Remove mouseguards and woodpecker defences.
• First inspections can be made on a warm day (at least 16°C in my book). I covered this in detail in the tips for April 2003, but if you need practical help then our first apiary meeting on 18 April is the best place to get it. You can also ring or email for advice at any time.

• Finally - is all your equipment ready for the coming season? We may have swarms later this month - certainly next month - and the bees will not wait. If you need to buy equipment then there is Stoneleigh on 24 April