Hi Headfry,

Logged into wildlife forum for the first time today. Seriously considering keeping bees myself but because of surgery, I have decided not to start this season. My friends father used to keep 80 hives but when he passed on, the family sold all but two of the hives, a basic set of equipment and a whole library of books! I have been offered first refusal on the whole lot if I decide to go ahead. I have been loaned four of these absolutely beautiful books from the 1950's to the 1970's after expressing an interest and have been overwhelmed by the complexity of it all. I suppose it's like everything else, there is no substitute for experience. The next step in my plan was to join the local beekeepers and get as much hands on practice and information as possible before next season. I have also got to find a suitable site as although we have a 100ft garden, it is narrow, we grow veg which needs tending and we have two children who are used to playing anywhere in the garden. I really don't think there is anywhere sufficiently out of the way to site the hives. However, we are surrounded by farmland and know quite a few of the farmers so with a bit of negotiation, we would probably be able to find someone willing to accomodate a couple of hives. I will check in on your adventures from now on. I found it encouraging to read your post as I can imagine feeling the same way myself in such circumstances; anxious about the progress in the hive, wishing to follow the voice of experience, impatient to know whats going on, etc.

Looking forward to your updates