Fascinating insights, Will. I think I held my breath while reading that. ‘Guardian of the Bees’ is the perfect way to view the relationship. Lovely words. Thank you.
We haven’t. It seems to be quite the thing in the Vienne where we live. Cleared spaces in woodland with hives on meadowland. Small honey producers have stalls at the local marché. We’re torn. Animals would be lovely. Goats, chickens, maybe even bees - we have the space - but we have more travelling to do, adventures away from la petite ferme
Ah Will - I’ve unfortunately been in hospital for the past month and have not been well enough to even read, so may I say, that it was with utter joy, that yours was the first piece of writing I wanted to read now I’m home again.
How beautifully you always write Will, and how gently you approach life - I’m so happy that I can now catch up on all the posts I’ve missed and enjoy a little of your gorgeous life!
What a fascinating glimpse into the world of beekeeping. It reminded me a bit of when I was a chicken keeper. So many little things you have to do to make sure they survive the winter or don't fall prey to a variety of other sad, yet natural fates. Your writing here was beautiful and I too felt sad for the colony that didn't make it. I'm glad the surviving colony has someone like you to watch over it.
Thank you for your kind words.. I will admit that chickens. (we have six) do scare me slightly. There seems to be so much that can go wrong… and they do have very beady eyes…
My son once locked me in the run by mistake, and mind you this was a huge run my husband built to withstand a bear. I remember thinking, if someone doesn’t find me these girls are going to eat me. Chickens are after all, the closest living relative to T-Rex! 🦖😂 I did love their personalities though.
It sure is a process with checking the hive, the one you have shown looks totally different to the hives we have here in Australia. Basically a square box with a lid and of course the screens that go inside. Thankfully I have never been bitten by a bee, I often say they know I won’t hurt them, so even if they are feeding on plants in our garden I am happy to work with them. So sad that you lost a hive due to the cold weather, maybe they need a cubby house to protect them. I’m not sure how it works here as I have seen hives in the paddocks in an area that we call “the high country” and it can certainly get cold up there.
We must be careful here as any insulation we use might cause the hive to sweat, resulting in ice formation inside or mould. They really just have to get on with it, and sadly hive two was badly affected by varroa mite and was on the back foot through the whole year. I had seen life in early January, but then the heavy frosts came once again and they couldn’t stand up to them.
I love the thoroughness and detail in your writing. It feels like you make time slow down for us and parse things out cinematically, frame by frame, showing us a really rich picture of your day to day tasks and your intentional work. Great as always!
Hello Will - I’m fairly new to Substack and discovered your delicious writings. I love bees and am always worried about their survival, everywhere. I learned so much of the intricacies of keeping a hive by reading this. Good luck to you and the girls, worker bees and the almighty Queen.
I come from a farming state and learned even more here about chickens, which I find fascinating too. Maybe you can write about the six you have - when you have only six, they become more than just chickens, eh?
Fascinating insights, Will. I think I held my breath while reading that. ‘Guardian of the Bees’ is the perfect way to view the relationship. Lovely words. Thank you.
Such intriguing little creatures. Have you ever kept bees?
We haven’t. It seems to be quite the thing in the Vienne where we live. Cleared spaces in woodland with hives on meadowland. Small honey producers have stalls at the local marché. We’re torn. Animals would be lovely. Goats, chickens, maybe even bees - we have the space - but we have more travelling to do, adventures away from la petite ferme
They do look after themselves if that’s any encouragement… minimal intervention with honey once a year.
I feel good that someone of your character is investing time and resources to care for the bees in your part of the world...
With minimal intervention as well. No clipping of the Queen’s wings and only helping when needed. Ethical honey.
Ah Will - I’ve unfortunately been in hospital for the past month and have not been well enough to even read, so may I say, that it was with utter joy, that yours was the first piece of writing I wanted to read now I’m home again.
How beautifully you always write Will, and how gently you approach life - I’m so happy that I can now catch up on all the posts I’ve missed and enjoy a little of your gorgeous life!
Beautiful writing as always - thank you Will.
I wish you a speedy recovery. I hope reading about my corner of the world helps you recover. All the best and thank you.
As always.
What a fascinating glimpse into the world of beekeeping. It reminded me a bit of when I was a chicken keeper. So many little things you have to do to make sure they survive the winter or don't fall prey to a variety of other sad, yet natural fates. Your writing here was beautiful and I too felt sad for the colony that didn't make it. I'm glad the surviving colony has someone like you to watch over it.
Thank you for your kind words.. I will admit that chickens. (we have six) do scare me slightly. There seems to be so much that can go wrong… and they do have very beady eyes…
My son once locked me in the run by mistake, and mind you this was a huge run my husband built to withstand a bear. I remember thinking, if someone doesn’t find me these girls are going to eat me. Chickens are after all, the closest living relative to T-Rex! 🦖😂 I did love their personalities though.
It sure is a process with checking the hive, the one you have shown looks totally different to the hives we have here in Australia. Basically a square box with a lid and of course the screens that go inside. Thankfully I have never been bitten by a bee, I often say they know I won’t hurt them, so even if they are feeding on plants in our garden I am happy to work with them. So sad that you lost a hive due to the cold weather, maybe they need a cubby house to protect them. I’m not sure how it works here as I have seen hives in the paddocks in an area that we call “the high country” and it can certainly get cold up there.
That tidbit about full bellies was enlightening!
Interesting fact…
Beautiful film 🎥.
Thank you , a bit of fun that captured the afternoon.
We must be careful here as any insulation we use might cause the hive to sweat, resulting in ice formation inside or mould. They really just have to get on with it, and sadly hive two was badly affected by varroa mite and was on the back foot through the whole year. I had seen life in early January, but then the heavy frosts came once again and they couldn’t stand up to them.
I love the thoroughness and detail in your writing. It feels like you make time slow down for us and parse things out cinematically, frame by frame, showing us a really rich picture of your day to day tasks and your intentional work. Great as always!
Hello Will - I’m fairly new to Substack and discovered your delicious writings. I love bees and am always worried about their survival, everywhere. I learned so much of the intricacies of keeping a hive by reading this. Good luck to you and the girls, worker bees and the almighty Queen.
I come from a farming state and learned even more here about chickens, which I find fascinating too. Maybe you can write about the six you have - when you have only six, they become more than just chickens, eh?
Awesome. The world needs more pollinators.
interesting with the smoke! always thought it's supposed to calm them down :) great read!