Wharncliffe In The Community
Grant Enabled Project
2010 Wharncliffe Allotment Association applied for a community grant in support of healthy living. After successfully applying for funding we now have a plot which is accessible and wheelchair friendly. The funding went towards providing raised beds allowing for easy access to planting for people with mobility issues. The grant also meant we could have toilet facilities. The pollytunel and a (container) classroom provide the ideal venues for taught session along with a place for meetings. We now have an ideal location for all year round activity for both member and a community projects.
Wharncliffe Bee Project
After a number of meetings and discussions with The Souse Honey Co. Wharncliffe Allotment Society agreed to begin a project to introduced Honey Bees onto our small allotment site.
Once an area had been chosen to site two hives, work quickly began to make the land ready. Jan Bentley, on behalf of Wharncliffe Allotment Society agreed to give over a small section of her plot to the bees, 10,000 of which were introduced to their new home with Queen bees being placed in their somewhat luxurious hives with a view over the allotment (Sunday 12th May 2013). The following describes how the programme progressed:
Day One - Preparing the Ground
Before the bees can be introduced to their new surroundings and to give them the best possible start, they need to have a solid and secure place to stay. Day one started by clearing an area of land, setting in place a number of concrete slabs where two new hives can be positioned. To encourage the bees to fly in a particular direction extra screening was placed around the plot. this will also provide protection for members who need to work their plot close to the hives.
To see the whole process take shape click on the image above to reveal a short slideshow.
To see the whole process take shape click on the image above to reveal a short slideshow.
Day Two - Re-housing the Bees
The bees where brought to the Wharncliffe Allotments by Mike and Ged (Scouse Honey Co.) They have traveled 827 miles (1332 klm) from the Czech Republic. Mike says to ensure the survival of the colony a starter hive needs to contain around 10,000 bees which allows for some losses, we were unfortunate to loose some of our bees on arrival. This is somewhat expected according to Mike, who says it is likely more will not survey the coming days. However, both Mike and Ged will continue to monitor the bees making sure they have enough food to cope with the cold and wet conditions we are currently experiencing and until they start to support themselves. It wont be long before the bees begin their search for flowering plants (we have them in abundance), collecting the pollen they need and providing us with the highly coveted 'Scouse Honey" they produce.
Take a look at the bees arrival in our second slide show, click on the Scouse Honey Bee (Day Two).
Take a look at the bees arrival in our second slide show, click on the Scouse Honey Bee (Day Two).
Swarming...
...If you spot a swarm or you're concerned about the bees at Wharncliffe Allotments please contact Mike or Ged, you'll find their contact details on the Allotment Notice Board near the Acanthus Road entrance or click here for more information.
To find out more about the Scouse Honey Co. go to the following sites:
Website: http://scousehoneyco.weebly.com/
or visit them on the following social sites: http://www.facebook.com
https://twitter.com
To find out more about the Scouse Honey Co. go to the following sites:
Website: http://scousehoneyco.weebly.com/
or visit them on the following social sites: http://www.facebook.com
https://twitter.com