We are a friendly, helpful and inclusive association supporting all with an interest in honey bees and beekeeping in The Scottish Borders.
Bee Alert ~ February: The Turning Point
February is when things begin to change for the bees. Daylight slowly increases, and even occasional milder days are enough to trigger rising brood production. Bees don’t follow a calendar - they respond to environmental cues. Fresh pollen, in particular, can drive colonies to expand rapidly, sometimes even beyond their nectar stores.
We’ve seen it before: cold springs with frosts and sleet, yet colonies still growing - then swarming in May. Temperature isn’t the only signal.
The priority now is simple: check food. A quick “hive peek” - lifting roof and crown board to check where the cluster sits - allows you to ensure they have accessible stores. If not, place fondant directly above them. Bees can starve inches from honey if it’s too far from the cluster. Also, remember: bare hedges mean more wind. Strap hives down securely.
Spring is coming - let’s hope for warmth and nectar flow soon.
For Justin’s full article and upcoming monthly information to help you out in and out of the Apiary, check out the Bee Alert link under the “Resources” tab.
Justin Lanyon Olver
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Our History
We have a long and proud history supporting and providing education services to beekeepers in The Scottish Borders. Its parent organisation, the Berwickshire Beekeepers, was formed in 1890, with a membership caring for more than 500 colonies. From the 1940s, our organisation was fortunate to have the support and guidance of William Selby Robson, the founder of Chainbridge Honey Farm, and to this day, we are privileged to maintain our links with Willie Robson Jnr and The Chainbridge Honey Farm. Also, Willie Smith, famous for designing The Smith Hive, which provides an adequate brood area for local conditions and ease of transport to the heather. Both Mr Robson and Mr Smith were industrious in guiding the development of The Berwickshire Beekeepers. The Kelso and District Beekeepers formed in April 1938, with The Duke of Roxburghe, as its honorary president; the membership quickly grew to over sixty. The Berwickshire and Kelso Beekeepers amalgamated to form The Borders Beekeepers Association in 1995.
We now have a membership of 157 as at January 2025
While our bees are still clustered and dreaming of crocuses, your committee has been busy buzzing away! On February 1st - the traditional festival of Imbolc, celebrating new beginnings - Kate, our new chair, kindly hosted our first meeting of the year. Between a fantastic meal and a house full of new and old faces, the energy for the 2026 season is electric.