The Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet - Vespa velutina - has rampaged through France and for the last three years has occupied Jersey in the Channel Islands, threatening to invade mainland Britain using any means possible. Several nests were found and destroyed in 2019 near the south coast of England, but we cannot be certain that others went unnoticed. This insect presents a clear and present danger to honeybees especially, with beekeepers in France losing about one in three of their hives every year to this pest. It will also cause big problems for other bees and other insects, as it has a voracious appetite and a talent for hunting down its prey. Beekeepers will be very much on the front line in the battle to keep V. velutina out of this country, as we are likely to be the first to spot it. Do familiarise yourselves with its appearance and behaviour, and educate others so that we stand the best chance of intercepting it before it becomes established. Visit http://ahat.org.uk for some excellent photos, which will help you distinguish it from similar-looking insects. If you can spare some time, join your local AHAT and learn how to trap and track it to its nest. (For some reason, the AHAT link has been sending to the wrong site. it should go to ahat.org.uk )

The Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet - Vespa velutina - has rampaged through France and for the last three years has occupied Jersey in the Channel Islands, threatening to invade mainland Britain using any means possible. Several nests were found and destroyed in 2019 near the south coast of England, but we cannot be certain that others went unnoticed. This insect presents a clear and present danger to honeybees especially, with beekeepers in France losing about one in three of their hives every year to this pest. It will also cause big problems for other bees and other insects, as it has a voracious appetite and a talent for hunting down its prey. Beekeepers will be very much on the front line in the battle to keep V. velutina out of this country, as we are likely to be the first to spot it. Do familiarise yourselves with its appearance and behaviour, and educate others so that we stand the best chance of intercepting it before it becomes established. Visit <a href="http://ahat.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ahat.org.uk</a> for some excellent photos, which will help you distinguish it from similar-looking insects. If you can spare some time, join your local AHAT and learn how to trap and track it to its nest. (For some reason, the AHAT link has been sending to the wrong site. it should go to <a href="http://ahat.org.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ahat.org.uk</a> )

Asian Hornets Threaten Britain

Bovey Heath

We were on the Bovey Heathfield Nature Reserve, near Bovey Tracey in Devon, looking for Heath Potter Wasps with the noted naturalist John Walters, so I took the opportunity to record a short interview... Brigit's new book, Dancing with Bees, is published by Chelsea Green and available from http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.com

We were on the Bovey Heathfield Nature Reserve, near Bovey Tracey in Devon, looking for Heath Potter Wasps with the noted naturalist John Walters, so I took the opportunity to record a short interview... Brigit's new book, Dancing with Bees, is published by Chelsea Green and available from <a href="http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.com</a>

On Bovey Heath with Brigit Strawbridge Howard

Ragna Jorgensen

Ragna invited me to Norway to talk to beekeepers about the possibility of using different ways to look after bees, and different hives, including, of course, the top bar hive.  I had a very enjoyable week in this beautiful country, thanks to my hosts Ragna Jorgensen and Joshua, who will feature in the next podcast, once I have finished editing our long discussion in the car, while driving around the stunning north western coastline of Norway. This recording was made in the woods outside Oslo, and I made the mistake of leaving my phone switched on (and receiving a swarm call) so please excuse the occasional radio frequency interference that this caused in my audio recorder.   

Ragna invited me to Norway to talk to beekeepers about the possibility of using different ways to look after bees, and different hives, including, of course, the top bar hive. I had a very enjoyable week in this beautiful country, thanks to my hosts Ragna Jorgensen and Joshua, who will feature in the next podcast, once I have finished editing our long discussion in the car, while driving around the stunning north western coastline of Norway. This recording was made in the woods outside Oslo, and I made the mistake of leaving my phone switched on (and receiving a swarm call) so please excuse the occasional radio frequency interference that this caused in my audio recorder.

Beekeeping in Norway - a chat with Ragna Jorgensen of Bybi

Bob Hogge

The Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet, Vespa velutina, is a serious threat to bees and beekeeping in Britain, given its predatory nature and the fact that a large nest may contain 10-12,000 hungry insects.  It also poses a secondary threat to birds and bats, as it has the ability to consume massive numbers of their prey, while themselves being virtually immune from attack by any of our native species.  PLEASE LEARN ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PEST and look out for news about it, preferably by checking the news page on https://friendsofthebees.org and don't rely on newspapers, which regularly feature pictures of the wrong species. There is an Android app called "Asian Hornet Watch" that makes identification and reporting easy: this is an invasive non-native species that must be reported to http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet    If you use FaceBook, look for my page "Defending Britain Against the Asian Hornet" for news and updates.

The Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet, Vespa velutina, is a serious threat to bees and beekeeping in Britain, given its predatory nature and the fact that a large nest may contain 10-12,000 hungry insects.  It also poses a secondary threat to birds and bats, as it has the ability to consume massive numbers of their prey, while themselves being virtually immune from attack by any of our native species.  PLEASE LEARN ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PEST and look out for news about it, preferably by checking the news page on <a href="https://friendsofthebees.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://friendsofthebees.org</a> and don't rely on newspapers, which regularly feature pictures of the wrong species. There is an Android app called "Asian Hornet Watch" that makes identification and reporting easy: this is an invasive non-native species that must be reported to <a href="http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet</a>  If you use FaceBook, look for my page "Defending Britain Against the Asian Hornet" for news and updates.

Bob Hogge from Jersey talks about the invading Asian hornet 

I hosted this discussion with about 25 other beekeepers at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of the BIBBA SW Conference Febriary 16 2019.

I hosted this discussion with about 25 other beekeepers at the Eden Project in Cornwall as part of the BIBBA SW Conference Febriary 16 2019.

Are Black Bees Best for Britain? 

Willie Robson

Willie Robson has appeared on my podcast several times already, so if you are a regular listener, you will recognize his Northumbrian accent by now.  Comb honey has always been an important feature of Chain Bridge Honey Farm and in this talk, Willie explains why it is important to their profitability and how they go about their production process. https://www.chainbridgehoney.com

Willie Robson has appeared on my podcast several times already, so if you are a regular listener, you will recognize his Northumbrian accent by now.  Comb honey has always been an important feature of Chain Bridge Honey Farm and in this talk, Willie explains why it is important to their profitability and how they go about their production process. <a href="https://www.chainbridgehoney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.chainbridgehoney.com</a>

Willie Robson - comb honey production

Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan is a beekeeper with many years under his belt, who is not afraid to admit to making mistakes. He is current chair of the Galtee Bee Breeders. This talk was recorded at the 2018 BIBBA conference in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Jim Ryan is a beekeeper with many years under his belt, who is not afraid to admit to making mistakes. He is current chair of the Galtee Bee Breeders. This talk was recorded at the 2018 BIBBA conference in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Jim Ryan - Beekeeping without too many mistakes

Bill Summers

The ZEST hive is unusual in that it is made from solid building blocks arranged to form a long, deep container, with multiple, upper entrances. It is easy and relatively inexpensive to build, with the help of Bill's web site - www.thezesthive.com - and his YouTube videos.

The ZEST hive is unusual in that it is made from solid building blocks arranged to form a long, deep container, with multiple, upper entrances. It is easy and relatively inexpensive to build, with the help of Bill's web site - <a href="http://www.thezesthive.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thezesthive.com</a> - and his YouTube videos.

Bill Summers talks about the ZEST hive

Ivy Bees, with Brigit Strawbridge Howard

Willie Robson and his family have been keeping bees in Northumberland since the 1950s. Few people know more than he does about honey farming with the native black bee, and fewer still have successfully kept them for so long in a commercial context. This is one of two talks by Willie that I recorded at the 2018 BIBBA conference in Cirencester. The Robson family run Chainbridge Honey Farm and you can see their web site at https://www.chainbridgehoney.com

Willie Robson and his family have been keeping bees in Northumberland since the 1950s. Few people know more than he does about honey farming with the native black bee, and fewer still have successfully kept them for so long in a commercial context. This is one of two talks by Willie that I recorded at the 2018 BIBBA conference in Cirencester. The Robson family run Chainbridge Honey Farm and you can see their web site at <a href="https://www.chainbridgehoney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.chainbridgehoney.com</a>

Willie Robson: Heather Honey in the North of England

Phil Chandler, teacher and author of 'The Barefoot Beekeeper', talks about 'balanced beekeeping' and explains why he believes we need to change both the way we grow our food and the way we work with honeybees if we want them - and ourselves - to survive and thrive.Beekeeping has been all about honey production. Now we need to learn to value bees for their own sake - for their part in nature as pollinators of many plant species, both wild and cultivated. The Barefoot Beekeeper is available in print or as an ebook from www.biobees.com

Though it sounds like he has lots of good ideas, I wish he would talk more about bees and less about his hatred for God. I want to hear about bees and not his hate filled life. 

That&#39;s all I have to say about this.

Sounds like a God hater to me.

This podcast is amazing!  I LOVE listening to Phils&#39; voice. It is so calming, easy listening and he explains things relating to bees in a way I can understand and incorporate into daily life. I eagerly await each and every new podcast.

FANTASTIC

Phil Chandler, teacher and author of 'The Barefoot Beekeeper', talks about 'balanced beekeeping' and explains why he believes we need to change both the way we grow our food and the way we work with honeybees if we want them - and ourselves - to survive and thrive. Beekeeping has been all about honey production. Now we need to learn to value bees for their own sake - for their part in nature as pollinators of many plant species, both wild and cultivated. The Barefoot Beekeeper is available in print or as an ebook from <a href="http://www.biobees.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.biobees.com</a>

The Barefoot Beekeeper

I recently had the pleasure of teaching a weekend course in Ireland to a lovely group of people. The setting was Carraig Dúlra - an organic small-holding in County Wicklow run by Suzie and Mike Cahn. In this podcast you will hear Mike talking about his bees, along with others who attended the course giving their feedback on the weekend. Then you will hear from Sammy - one of the younger Cahns - and finally you will hve a tour of the farm by Susie, who teaches permaculture and forest gardening. The teaching site is on what I can only describe as marginal land for farming, comprising at first glance a rocky slope covered with heather, bracken and gorse. However, when you look more closely you find a whole range of unexpected fruit and vegetables that you would never imagine would thrive in such a place as this.  If you want to learn about permaculture and forest gardening in a beautiful setting, visit the Carraig Dúlra web site and book yourself in - http://www.dulra.org I think you will enjoy this podcast and I look forward to your comments.

I recently had the pleasure of teaching a weekend course in Ireland to a lovely group of people. The setting was Carraig Dúlra - an organic small-holding in County Wicklow run by Suzie and Mike Cahn. In this podcast you will hear Mike talking about his bees, along with others who attended the course giving their feedback on the weekend. Then you will hear from Sammy - one of the younger Cahns - and finally you will hve a tour of the farm by Susie, who teaches permaculture and forest gardening. The teaching site is on what I can only describe as marginal land for farming, comprising at first glance a rocky slope covered with heather, bracken and gorse. However, when you look more closely you find a whole range of unexpected fruit and vegetables that you would never imagine would thrive in such a place as this.  If you want to learn about permaculture and forest gardening in a beautiful setting, visit the Carraig Dúlra web site and book yourself in - <a href="http://www.dulra.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.dulra.org</a> I think you will enjoy this podcast and I look forward to your comments.

Permaculture and Bees in Ireland

This podcast was recorded in Denver, Colorado, and features a round table discussion with Tom Theobald and Miles McGaughey of Boulder County and Christy Hemenway, who was visiting from Maine.  We focused on the current situation in the USA regarding agriculture in general and beekeeping in particular, looking at what we feel needs to be done to put right the damage caused by the use of toxic insecticides and herbicides.

This podcast was recorded in Denver, Colorado, and features a round table discussion with Tom Theobald and Miles McGaughey of Boulder County and Christy Hemenway, who was visiting from Maine.  We focused on the current situation in the USA regarding agriculture in general and beekeeping in particular, looking at what we feel needs to be done to put right the damage caused by the use of toxic insecticides and herbicides.

The Future of American Beekeeping

Caring for bees needs to start with a healthy soil. Modern agriculture uses a lot of chemicals just to grow our food, let alone the processing. That harms the soil, plants, and the pollinators. There is a different way, and we need more people educated to create that healthy environment. Daniel, who is the interviewer in this podcast is currently gathering funds to learn soil microbiology from the perspective of growing any kind of plant without chemicals, and guaranteeing maximum nutrition and yield. If you have a garden, some land, a crop, and wish to see the quality of the biology under your feet, consider taking his offer of soil testing once he finishes his course. As a thank you for believing in him, the cost is much reduced from what is currently available. See the link in the description, pledge your support, and pass it on.     Daniel's Permaculture Podcast http://danieltyrkiel.co.uk/podcast/  Daniel's Crowdfunder http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/know-the-true-health-of-your-soil

Caring for bees needs to start with a healthy soil. Modern agriculture uses a lot of chemicals just to grow our food, let alone the processing. That harms the soil, plants, and the pollinators. There is a different way, and we need more people educated to create that healthy environment. Daniel, who is the interviewer in this podcast is currently gathering funds to learn soil microbiology from the perspective of growing any kind of plant without chemicals, and guaranteeing maximum nutrition and yield. If you have a garden, some land, a crop, and wish to see the quality of the biology under your feet, consider taking his offer of soil testing once he finishes his course. As a thank you for believing in him, the cost is much reduced from what is currently available. See the link in the description, pledge your support, and pass it on.     Daniel's Permaculture Podcast <a href="http://danieltyrkiel.co.uk/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://danieltyrkiel.co.uk/podcast/</a>  Daniel's Crowdfunder <a href="http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/know-the-true-health-of-your-soil" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/know-the-true-health-of-your-soil</a>

Bees, Soil Fertility, Permaculture and Bees

Recorded about 4am, so please excuse me if I sound a little sleepy... I talk about the weekend course just completed at Brinscall Hall, Lancashire, and the other things happening there this year, including the Friends of the Bees Northern Gathering in August. See www.biobees.com/training.php for training and www.biobees.com/events.php for events. Then follows a bit of a rant about AI queens; the evils of packages, and the inflated prices charged by bee breeders.

Recorded about 4am, so please excuse me if I sound a little sleepy... I talk about the weekend course just completed at Brinscall Hall, Lancashire, and the other things happening there this year, including the Friends of the Bees Northern Gathering in August. See <a href="http://www.biobees.com/training.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.biobees.com/training.php</a> for training and <a href="http://www.biobees.com/events.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.biobees.com/events.php</a> for events. Then follows a bit of a rant about AI queens; the evils of packages, and the inflated prices charged by bee breeders.

Swarms, Nucs and Packages - and summer bee events

Willie Robson runs between 1500 and 2000 hives as a family business in Northumberland, the most northerly county in England. This is a challenging environment, with high rainfall and cold winters, often with weeks of snow. He uses only native "black" bees, which have adapted to the climate and - according to Willie - to his management methods, which are of necessity based on a relatively low-interference protocol. This recording was made in Cornwall on 6th February 2016, where Willie was giving a talk about his beekeeping methods and sharing his 53 years of experience with an audience of black bee enthusiasts. The sound quality on this recording is not the best, as the edge of a hurricane was causing a fair amount of background noise. Willie's web site is http://www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk

Willie Robson runs between 1500 and 2000 hives as a family business in Northumberland, the most northerly county in England. This is a challenging environment, with high rainfall and cold winters, often with weeks of snow. He uses only native "black" bees, which have adapted to the climate and - according to Willie - to his management methods, which are of necessity based on a relatively low-interference protocol. This recording was made in Cornwall on 6th February 2016, where Willie was giving a talk about his beekeeping methods and sharing his 53 years of experience with an audience of black bee enthusiasts. The sound quality on this recording is not the best, as the edge of a hurricane was causing a fair amount of background noise. Willie's web site is <a href="http://www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk</a>

Willie Robson: 53 years among the bees

Recorded at the 2013 Friends of the Bees unConvention. 'Inner Beekeeping' is about the way our interactions with bees affects us internally. Everyone's experience may be different, yet there is a lot of commonality. A wide-ranging discussion, unfortunately with some intrusive background noise at times.

Recorded at the 2013 Friends of the Bees unConvention. 'Inner Beekeeping' is about the way our interactions with bees affects us internally. Everyone's experience may be different, yet there is a lot of commonality. A wide-ranging discussion, unfortunately with some intrusive background noise at times.

Inner Beekeeping

This episode features a short 'catch-up' interview with Brigit Strawbridge; discussion of hive insulation, the eco-floor and the periscope entrance; and a session I call 'live at the hive', recorded at my 'Perone-style' apiary near Buckfastleigh.

This episode features a short 'catch-up' interview with Brigit Strawbridge; discussion of hive insulation, the eco-floor and the periscope entrance; and a session I call 'live at the hive', recorded at my 'Perone-style' apiary near Buckfastleigh.

The Importance Of Being Insulated

This is possibly the most important podcast I have recorded this year, not so much because of my part in it, but because most of it is a recording of a talk by Dr Vandana Shiva at a conference held at Dartington Hall on October 7th 2014. Vandana is one of the leading lights in the fight against the corporations that are intent on patenting life in all its forms, and owning the entire food chain, worldwide, from seed to mouth. If you think I am exaggerating this claim for dramatic effect, a recent survey by GMWATCH showed that Monsanto already own one quarter of the world seed market, and the top ten corporations - including Bayer, DuPont and Syngenta - between them own over two thirds of the worlds crop seeds.There were other speakers at this event, but for this podcast I will include my own 10-minute talk, followed by Vandana Shiva. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope Vandana inspires you to join the fight against the destruction of life as we know it by these criminal organizations posing as legitimate corporations. http://www.gmwatch.org/gm-firms/10558-the-worlds-top-ten-seed-companies-who-owns-nature http://bestmeal.info/monsanto/company-history.shtml#timeline

This is possibly the most important podcast I have recorded this year, not so much because of my part in it, but because most of it is a recording of a talk by Dr Vandana Shiva at a conference held at Dartington Hall on October 7th 2014. Vandana is one of the leading lights in the fight against the corporations that are intent on patenting life in all its forms, and owning the entire food chain, worldwide, from seed to mouth. If you think I am exaggerating this claim for dramatic effect, a recent survey by GMWATCH showed that Monsanto already own one quarter of the world seed market, and the top ten corporations - including Bayer, DuPont and Syngenta - between them own over two thirds of the worlds crop seeds.There were other speakers at this event, but for this podcast I will include my own 10-minute talk, followed by Vandana Shiva. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope Vandana inspires you to join the fight against the destruction of life as we know it by these criminal organizations posing as legitimate corporations. <a href="http://www.gmwatch.org/gm-firms/10558-the-worlds-top-ten-seed-companies-who-owns-nature" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.gmwatch.org/gm-firms/10558-the-worlds-top-ten-seed-companies-who-owns-nature</a> <a href="http://bestmeal.info/monsanto/company-history.shtml#timeline" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bestmeal.info/monsanto/company-history.shtml#timeline</a>

Dr Vandana Shiva and the fight against GM piracy

Dorothy Maclean

I recently visited the Findhorn community, near Inverness, to help them build a top bar hive and talk about natural beekeeping. The first voice is that of 92-year-old Dorothy Maclean, the only survivor of the original group of three  - the other two being Eileen and Peter Caddy - who started what became the Findhorn community just over 50 years ago. You can find out more about Findhorn on their website - findhorn.org  Today's podcast is an edited version of my conversation with Dorothy and two of her carers, Marilyn and Jo.   I also recorded conversations with two other long-standing members of the community - Craig Gibsone and Kijedo - which will form either one or two future podcasts, depending on how the editing pans out.

I recently visited the Findhorn community, near Inverness, to help them build a top bar hive and talk about natural beekeeping. The first voice is that of 92-year-old Dorothy Maclean, the only survivor of the original group of three  - the other two being Eileen and Peter Caddy - who started what became the Findhorn community just over 50 years ago. You can find out more about Findhorn on their website - <a href="http://findhorn.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">findhorn.org</a> Today's podcast is an edited version of my conversation with Dorothy and two of her carers, Marilyn and Jo. I also recorded conversations with two other long-standing members of the community - Craig Gibsone and Kijedo - which will form either one or two future podcasts, depending on how the editing pans out.

Findhorn: a conversation with co-founder Dorothy Maclean 

PUPA (Preservation &amp; Understanding of Plants and Arthropods) Today's podcast is a conversation with Duncan Allen and Tarryn Castle of PUPA Education, a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to educating people about the natural world, especially the myriad tiny creatures that are collectively responsible for the quality of the soil, upon which all land-based life ultimately depends.  About Duncan and Tarryn    Duncan Allen (CRB certified): Has 5 year’s experience of working with the public at both the University of Plymouth and the Plymouth City Museum.  He has been, Science Week co-ordinator and involved with summer school activities, seaside safaris, school visits and bug hunts promoting insect awareness and education; and most recently with the BBC “Live ‘n’ Deadly” road show.  He is the Royal Entomological Societies student representative and is currently employed at Plymouth City Museum Natural History Department where he is the volunteer supervisor.     Tarryn Castle (CRB certified):  Has great passion and concern for the environment.  Growing up in New Zealand she assisted children’s after school art classes whilst attending Manukau Institute of Technology.  She has spent a number of years volunteering for the green party and WOOFING (Working On Organic Farms an international volunteer organization) in New Zealand and the Wilderness Society in Australia. Whilst attending University at Aberystwyth she was involved with setting up a local Beach Cleaning Group and helped to organise and co-ordinate student volunteers as well as work with the public and raise general awareness. She is currently working on a number of projects for Buglife: The Invertebrate Conservation Trust.   Both Duncan and Tarryn have completed an MSc in Entomology and have practical experience and knowledge of invertebrate conservation in the U.K.  Duncan Allen &amp; Tarryn CastlePUPA educational Workshops3 Newnham RoadPlymouthDevonPL47ANPUPA.education@gmail.comwww.pupa-education.co.uk PUPA Education web site - http://www.pupa-education.co.uk

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/PUPA-Preservation-Understanding-of-Plants-and-Arthropods/166955316659360" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PUPA (Preservation &amp; Understanding of Plants and Arthropods)</a> Today's podcast is a conversation with Duncan Allen and Tarryn Castle of PUPA Education, a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to educating people about the natural world, especially the myriad tiny creatures that are collectively responsible for the quality of the soil, upon which all land-based life ultimately depends. About Duncan and Tarryn <a href="http://www.pupa-education.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Duncan21.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Duncan Allen (CRB certified): Has 5 year’s experience of working with the public at both the University of Plymouth and the Plymouth City Museum.  He has been, Science Week co-ordinator and involved with summer school activities, seaside safaris, school visits and bug hunts promoting insect awareness and education; and most recently with the BBC “Live ‘n’ Deadly” road show.  He is the Royal Entomological Societies student representative and is currently employed at Plymouth City Museum Natural History Department where he is the volunteer supervisor. <a href="http://www.pupa-education.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Tarryn1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Tarryn Castle (CRB certified):  Has great passion and concern for the environment.  Growing up in New Zealand she assisted children’s after school art classes whilst attending Manukau Institute of Technology.  She has spent a number of years volunteering for the green party and WOOFING (Working On Organic Farms an international volunteer organization) in New Zealand and the Wilderness Society in Australia. Whilst attending University at Aberystwyth she was involved with setting up a local Beach Cleaning Group and helped to organise and co-ordinate student volunteers as well as work with the public and raise general awareness. She is currently working on a number of projects for Buglife: The Invertebrate Conservation Trust. Both Duncan and Tarryn have completed an MSc in Entomology and have practical experience and knowledge of invertebrate conservation in the U.K. Duncan Allen &amp; Tarryn CastlePUPA educational Workshops3 Newnham RoadPlymouthDevonPL47AN<a href="mailto:PUPA.education@gmail.com">PUPA.education@gmail.com</a><a href="http://www.pupa-education.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pupa-education.co.uk</a> PUPA Education web site - <a href="http://www.pupa-education.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pupa-education.co.uk</a>

Bees and Other Bugs: Teaching Natural History with PUPA Education

Kate Atchley

I met up with Kate Atchley after a weekend spent teaching a group of beginners at Glenuig, in the Lochaber area on the coast south of the Isle of Skye. Kate started beekeeping in London, later in Edinburgh and latterly on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, just north of Mull. We had an interesting conversation about black bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and other aspects of beekeeping in Scotland.

I met up with Kate Atchley after a weekend spent teaching a group of beginners at Glenuig, in the Lochaber area on the coast south of the Isle of Skye. Kate started beekeeping in London, later in Edinburgh and latterly on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, just north of Mull. We had an interesting conversation about black bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and other aspects of beekeeping in Scotland.

Conversation with Kate Atchley

Christopher Titmuss

Christopher Titmuss, a former Buddhist monk in Thailand and India, teaches Awakening and Insight Meditation (Vipassana) around the world. He is the founder and director of the Dharma Facilitators Programme and Mindfulness Training Course, an online mentor programme.. He gives retreats, leads pilgrimages (yatras) and Dharma gatherings, as well as establishing a network of Dharma teachers around the world. Christopher has been teaching annual retreats in India since 1975 A senior Dharma teacher in the West, he is the author of 14 books includingLight on Enlightenment, Transforming Our Terror and Mindfulness for Everyday Living. More than 2000 of his Dharma talks have been recorded. A campaigner for peace and other global issues, Christopher acts in an advisory capacity to various networks and organisations working to resolve suffering including Australia, Asia (Israel, Palestine, India) and Europe. Christopher has not spent more than two months in one place since 1975, when he resided for five months teaching in the foothills of the Himalayas. Poet and writer, he lives in Totnes, Devon, England. His work takes him to three continents every year. www.christophertitmuss.org www.insightmeditation.org www.dharmafacilitators.org www.mindfulnesstrainingcourse.org

Christopher Titmuss, a former Buddhist monk in Thailand and India, teaches Awakening and Insight Meditation (Vipassana) around the world. He is the founder and director of the Dharma Facilitators Programme and Mindfulness Training Course, an online mentor programme.. He gives retreats, leads pilgrimages (yatras) and Dharma gatherings, as well as establishing a network of Dharma teachers around the world. Christopher has been teaching annual retreats in India since 1975 A senior Dharma teacher in the West, he is the author of 14 books includingLight on Enlightenment, Transforming Our Terror and Mindfulness for Everyday Living. More than 2000 of his Dharma talks have been recorded. A campaigner for peace and other global issues, Christopher acts in an advisory capacity to various networks and organisations working to resolve suffering including Australia, Asia (Israel, Palestine, India) and Europe. Christopher has not spent more than two months in one place since 1975, when he resided for five months teaching in the foothills of the Himalayas. Poet and writer, he lives in Totnes, Devon, England. His work takes him to three continents every year. <a href="http://www.christophertitmuss.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.christophertitmuss.org</a> <a href="http://www.insightmeditation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.insightmeditation.org</a> <a href="http://www.dharmafacilitators.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.dharmafacilitators.org</a> <a href="http://www.mindfulnesstrainingcourse.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.mindfulnesstrainingcourse.org</a>

Conversation with Christopher Titmuss

This is Part 2 of the session with Willie Robson, which has a somewhat better sound quality as the storm had reduced in strength by the time we had finished lunch. Willie spent an hour answering questions from the audience and I think you will find this session very interesting, especially if you keep or are planning to keep black bees. I should also mention that I have just published another book, called Balanced Beekeeping II: Managing the Top Bar Hive. It has taken me nearly two years to write and edit and it has 385 pages full of the most useful tips and techniques I know to help you set up, populate and manage a top bar hive. Take a look on my site at biobees.com under books and you will find both paperback and ebook versions. Willie Robson has written a fascinating book, full of his accumulated wisdom, called, "Reflections on Beekeeping", published by Northern Bee Books.  Thanks to Graham White for the use of his photo of Willie with an open hive.

This is Part 2 of the session with Willie Robson, which has a somewhat better sound quality as the storm had reduced in strength by the time we had finished lunch. Willie spent an hour answering questions from the audience and I think you will find this session very interesting, especially if you keep or are planning to keep black bees. I should also mention that I have just published another book, called Balanced Beekeeping II: Managing the Top Bar Hive. It has taken me nearly two years to write and edit and it has 385 pages full of the most useful tips and techniques I know to help you set up, populate and manage a top bar hive. Take a look on my site at <a href="http://biobees.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">biobees.com</a> under books and you will find both paperback and ebook versions. Willie Robson has written a fascinating book, full of his accumulated wisdom, called, "Reflections on Beekeeping", published by Northern Bee Books.  Thanks to Graham White for the use of his photo of Willie with an open hive.

Willie Robson Part 2

Brigit Strawbridge will be remembered by many from the TV series 'It's Not Easy Being Green'. More recently, she has spent much of her time writing and talking about wild bees, especially bumblebees. This year, she is moving back to Cornwall, to the farm that was her family home and the hub of the TV series, with the aim of turning it into an educational centre, where people will be able to learn not only about bees, but also other country crafts and skills.  I visited Brigit at her farm and she spoke to me about her plans. Bumblebee Farm web site - http://bumblebeefarm.co.uk Brigit's blog - http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.co.uk

Brigit Strawbridge will be remembered by many from the TV series 'It's Not Easy Being Green'. More recently, she has spent much of her time writing and talking about wild bees, especially bumblebees. This year, she is moving back to Cornwall, to the farm that was her family home and the hub of the TV series, with the aim of turning it into an educational centre, where people will be able to learn not only about bees, but also other country crafts and skills.  I visited Brigit at her farm and she spoke to me about her plans. Bumblebee Farm web site - <a href="http://bumblebeefarm.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bumblebeefarm.co.uk</a> Brigit's blog - <a href="http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://beestrawbridge.blogspot.co.uk</a>

Interview with Brigit Strawbridge at Bumblebee Farm

I was invited to the BIBBA Conference on the Isle of Man this year to talk about top bar hives. This is my talk, lightly edited to remove the soundtrack of a video at the end.  My talk was introduced by Johnny Kipps, a resident of the island, who took me to see his top bar hives during one of the lunch breaks. You can see the video of his hives, complete with local black bees, here https://youtu.be/jRebDnqj-wc

I was invited to the BIBBA Conference on the Isle of Man this year to talk about top bar hives. This is my talk, lightly edited to remove the soundtrack of a video at the end.  My talk was introduced by Johnny Kipps, a resident of the island, who took me to see his top bar hives during one of the lunch breaks. You can see the video of his hives, complete with local black bees, here <a href="https://youtu.be/jRebDnqj-wc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/jRebDnqj-wc</a>

My talk to the BIBBA Conference 2016

Those of us in the northern hemisphere are missing the sounds of our bees, so here is a recording I made in Spring 2011, followed by a complete recording of The Bee Song, written for this podcast by Lara Conley. You can find more of Lara's music here https://myspace.com/laraconleymusic  This is a video I shot of her the first time I met her in Totnes - http://youtu.be/8AvA1k4obO0

Those of us in the northern hemisphere are missing the sounds of our bees, so here is a recording I made in Spring 2011, followed by a complete recording of The Bee Song, written for this podcast by Lara Conley. You can find more of Lara's music here <a href="https://myspace.com/laraconleymusic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://myspace.com/laraconleymusic</a> This is a video I shot of her the first time I met her in Totnes - <a href="http://youtu.be/8AvA1k4obO0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/8AvA1k4obO0</a>

Last Podcast of 2013

Dave Goulson

Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology at Sussex University, founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and has published over 200 scientific articles on the ecology of bees and other insects. His published books include Bumblebees; their behaviour, ecology and conservation (2010, Oxford University Press) and A Sting in the Tale (2013, Jonathan Cape), and A Buzz in the Meadow (2017, Vintage Books. Brigit Strawbridge is a campaigner on behalf of bumblebees and other wild bees and is currently working on her first book.  Our conversation includes ways in which beekeepers can help support other pollinators; the impact of pesticides, habitat loss and diseases on wild bees; the dangers of neonicotinoids, and the current state of bee research. Recorded at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor during the Moor Meadows conference on July 1st 2017.

Dave Goulson is Professor of Biology at Sussex University, founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and has published over 200 scientific articles on the ecology of bees and other insects. His published books include Bumblebees; their behaviour, ecology and conservation (2010, Oxford University Press) and A Sting in the Tale (2013, Jonathan Cape), and A Buzz in the Meadow (2017, Vintage Books. Brigit Strawbridge is a campaigner on behalf of bumblebees and other wild bees and is currently working on her first book.  Our conversation includes ways in which beekeepers can help support other pollinators; the impact of pesticides, habitat loss and diseases on wild bees; the dangers of neonicotinoids, and the current state of bee research. Recorded at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor during the Moor Meadows conference on July 1st 2017.

Dave Goulson and Brigit Strawbridge

Steve Benbow

Alys Fowler is writing another book, this time with London beekeeper Steve Benbow. It will be full of great gardening tips, focusing on how to plant for pollinators - especially bees.Steve talks about the book and his plans for siting top bar hives at the Tate Gallery. This is where to find out more about the book - http://unbound.co.uk/books/letters-to-a-beekeeper

Alys Fowler is writing another book, this time with London beekeeper Steve Benbow. It will be full of great gardening tips, focusing on how to plant for pollinators - especially bees.Steve talks about the book and his plans for siting top bar hives at the Tate Gallery. This is where to find out more about the book - <a href="http://unbound.co.uk/books/letters-to-a-beekeeper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://unbound.co.uk/books/letters-to-a-beekeeper</a>

Steve Benbow and the London Honey Company

Bryn Simon

Bryn Simon, President of Sydney Inner West Beekeepers, NSW, Australia, was in the UK and asked if he could visit and ask me some questions. The sound quality is not perfect: there was a fair bit of background noise from road drills and seagulls, and I had the gain turned up a little too high, but if you can overlook that, we had a good chat about bees and beekeeping.

Bryn Simon, President of Sydney Inner West Beekeepers, NSW, Australia, was in the UK and asked if he could visit and ask me some questions. The sound quality is not perfect: there was a fair bit of background noise from road drills and seagulls, and I had the gain turned up a little too high, but if you can overlook that, we had a good chat about bees and beekeeping.

A Chat in the Park With Bryn Simon

Italian beekeepers Renato Bologna and Marisa Valente have vowed to 'eat like bees' in protest against the use of neonicotinoids. They say that they now have scientific proof that pesticides are killing their bees, and they want the Italian govenment to take action to ban neonicotinoids on all crops. At present, their use is only banned on maize. I spoke to Renato, whose English is a lot better than my Italian, and you can hear the result in today's podcast. PLEASE SUPPORT Renato and Marisa by going to their web site and signing their petition - http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni/adesioni.htm The front page of their site is here - http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni  If you do not speak Italian, I suggest using Google Chrome to view it and click the 'translate' button at the top.

Italian beekeepers Renato Bologna and Marisa Valente have vowed to 'eat like bees' in protest against the use of neonicotinoids. They say that they now have scientific proof that pesticides are killing their bees, and they want the Italian govenment to take action to ban neonicotinoids on all crops. At present, their use is only banned on maize. I spoke to Renato, whose English is a lot better than my Italian, and you can hear the result in today's podcast. PLEASE SUPPORT Renato and Marisa by going to their web site and signing their petition - <a href="http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni/adesioni.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni/adesioni.htm</a> The front page of their site is here - <a href="http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.rfb.it/bastaveleni</a>  If you do not speak Italian, I suggest using Google Chrome to view it and click the 'translate' button at the top.

Italian beekeepers' hunger strike over pesticides

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