On Thursday lunchtime we were offered a swarm of bees and managed to beg and borrow enough bits and pieces to give them a new home by nightfall. Following an emergency trip to National Bee Supplies in Okehampton, we got all dressed up in our new veils to fit frames and foundation and a sugar syrup feeder to make the bees comfortable in their new home. All being well the worker bees will start to draw out new comb and the queen will begin laying new brood this week.

We weren't planning to get any bees this year and this offer of a swarm has caught us slightly unprepared - if anyone has any unwanted bee keeping equipment, please get in touch.

It's said that 'a swarm in May's worth a load of hay' - hopefully Potager honey will make an appearance on the cafe menu over the summer...