Hampshire Busy Bees

24/05/2026

Quick time-lapse from the apiary 🐝
Yes, I know the boxes look upside down in the video 😂 but these girls had completely honey-blocked their queen! She ended up laying in the honey supers instead of the brood box.
My guess is she took a bit too long to mate, so the hive grew fast and they filled the brood area with honey. We rearranged everything into a bigger setup to give her proper space.
With the June gap coming up, we’re leaving them all the honey they’ve made for now — they’ll need it!
Anyone else dealing with honey-bound queens this season?

22/05/2026

🐝 Nuc to Hive Transfer Day! 🐝
Bit of a longer one for you today, but I thought it was worth filming! Just moved my bees over from the nuc into their new full-size hive.
I’ve been experimenting with bulging the bees up this way instead of the usual methods, and I’ve got to say — it’s so much easier to manage! Way less stress on the bees and me.
Watch as the girls make the move into their new home. You can see how calm they stayed through the whole process.
Would love to hear your thoughts — have you tried anything similar when doing transfers? What’s your go-to method?
Drop a comment below! 👇

16/05/2026

Many thank to Far East Direct UK for the fantastic wax foundations and frames that arrived today!
This lot is going to keep me busy for the next day or two assembling and fitting them up. Excellent quality as always — I’ve used them a few times now and they never disappoint. Great service and reliable products. Highly recommended for any beekeepers out there!
Thank you Far East Direct UK 🙌

13/05/2026

🐝 Bee Update from the field! 🐝
Yesterday we had a call about bees moving into a box… but when we arrived, it turned out they’d taken up residence in a bird box instead! 😄
Classic case of the Queen making her own decisions – she clearly fancied the location and size, and decided it was perfect for her new home. The girls have been busy drawing comb and getting settled in their chosen spot!

Nature doesn’t always follow our plans, but that’s what makes it brilliant. The colony looks happy and active, and I will remove them and there comb to a nuc keep an eye out for the update video

If you’ve got bees in unexpected places (bird boxes, sheds, chimneys, etc.) in Hampshire, drop us a message. We’re here to help with advice, removal, or relocation when needed.

09/05/2026

🐝 Hampshire Busy Bees 🐝Bees are the ultimate master builders — and we love learning from them!Here’s a hive I’ve designed and built that takes the very best features from two different hive systems. Stronger, more practical, and tailored for happy, productive bees. The girls seem to approve!We’re all about innovation with respect for nature here at Hampshire Busy Bees. Combining tradition with smart modern tweaks to give our colonies the best possible homes.What do you think? Would you like to see more close-up shots of the design? Drop a comment below! 👇

09/05/2026

☕🐝 What a magical surprise yesterday!
Got a call for a small swarm hanging out right outside a pop-up coffee shop. I offered them a nice nuc… and they just walked straight in like they’d been waiting for their new home! No fuss, no drama — just a beautiful, calm hiving.
There’s something so special about watching a swarm choose their new hive. Best feeling in beekeeping!
Grateful for another little colony safely housed.

18/05/2025

11/04/2022

Marking the new queen from last years swarm

18/02/2022

Even the bees heard the stay indoors advice

18/02/2022

Don’t forget to strap and weigh down your hives!!🍯🐝
I have remote cameras to keep an eye on my hives. 📷💨🌧🌨