Feeding the bees

To support the health and survival of our bees through the colder months, we provide fondant during winter. Fondant is a solid, slow-consuming food that can be safely accessed by the colony without increasing moisture inside the hive—crucial during periods when bees are tightly clustered and unable to forage. It offers reliable energy when natural nectar is unavailable, helping the colony maintain warmth and strength until spring arrives.

As temperatures begin to rise in March, we transition to a light sugar syrup. This change mirrors the return of natural nectar flow, stimulating brood rearing and encouraging the queen to lay. The syrup provides an easily digestible energy boost just as the colony becomes more active, helping the bees build up numbers and momentum ahead of the main foraging season.

Today, Alan from Knebworth Honey popped down with some fondant. After a proper coffee and a good catch-up, we suited up and headed out to the hives.

With winter still holding on and forage scarce, it was the perfect time to give the colonies a helping hand. We carefully fed each hive, keeping disturbance to a minimum while making sure every colony had the reserves it needs to see out the colder weeks ahead.

It was one of those quietly satisfying jobs — calm bees, cold air, and the simple reassurance of knowing the colonies are supported and settled until spring begins to stir.