On visiting the Bees for Biodiversity hive Paul found that a very large nimber of the workers had died, brood was left unattended and the queen and her cohort had absconded.  This means the hive is now a mausoleum and is possibly contaminated by a notifiable bee disease.  The Inspector has been asked to call. 

There are plenty of stores left after winter, no intruders such as mice, birds or mites so it is important to find out what has gone on.

If a disease is found or diagnosed then the hive will remain sealed, be removed and incinerated complete.  This is a costly procedure but obviously has to be done to safeguard the other bees coming into the apiary.

Initial advice sought has suggested that an out-apiary should be set up to provide a back-up in case this not uncommon event occurs again.  Paul has two sites available but if anyone has any suggestion for other sites they will be worth looking into.

The purchase of another two colonies should be considered to widen the genetic diversity within our bees and this will be raised at the next meeting.