Our Services
Check out the list of Services we offer at Ivy Cottage Bees
Swarm Collection
We are happy to provide a Honeybee swarm collection service, free of charge in the local area.
Swarming is a natural process for the honeybee. It is the colony reproducing by the old queen and leaving the colony with some bees and a new queen ready to hatch. The bees leave the hive, usually in a very large number, and find somewhere to hang in a cluster until the scout bees decide on their new home. Swarming usually occurs from May until the end of July and often happens between 11am and 4pm. Honeybees will settle to their cluster in about 15 minutes and whilst it may seem dramatic and possibly frightening, it is nothing to worry about. Simply, stay out of their way and let them find their spot. Once there, they won’t move again until they are ready to fly off to their next forever home.
Collecting a swarm is usually a two-part process. Firstly, we will get the bees into a box and then we will need to move the bees in the box to our apiary. At best, this is a few hours work.
If you call us to remove your swarm, we may ask you the following questions:
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What can you see / what have you seen? Can you send us a picture?
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What size is the cluster? Is it the size of a football ball?
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Where is the cluster? In a chimney, on a tree branch, in brambles etc
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How high up is the cluster?
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How long have they been there?
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Will we need to bring other equipment such as a ladder, set of steps, cutters?
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Have you called anyone else?
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What is the address? What3Words works really well for us
The best way to get in touch with us is to call us directly by clicking the links below:
Support for Beekeepers
Extraction Service
For beekeepers without extraction equipment, or the time to extract your own honey we can provide an extraction service for you.
All you need to do is drop off your cleared supers at a pre-arranged time and we will extract your honey for you in our honey room.
You can provide your own buckets, or we can do this for an extra fee.
Get in touch to find out our prices and availability.
Training and Support
If you’re new to beekeeping and need a mentor or want to set up as a beekeeper yourself, we can support you to do this. We have a range of training options available, all bespoke to your needs. Get in touch to find out more.
Important Information
This is a working apiary, and there will be bees in the apiary and on their flight-paths to and from the nectar and pollen. Participants must wear long-sleeved clothing and bring wellies or sturdy ankle boots. Ankles must be protected so socks should be able to tuck over trousers. We will provide you with a suitable, protective beekeeping suit and gloves but we cannot guarantee you will not get stung. We will of course do our best to ensure you don’t get stung! If you have allergies to bee stings, unfortunately, these experiences are not suitable for you.
Our apiary is sited in Little Canfield, and postcode and directions will be provided following a booking. There’s a short walk, across a field from the car-park and the terrain can be uneven in places so please take care.
Experience vouchers are non-refundable and all experiences are weather dependent. The organisers refuse the right to change the date of experiences if the weather conditions are inclement to inspecting and opening beehives. Should an experience be cancelled, the date will be rescheduled, and a new date offered.