Harborne Hill Allotments are home to a vibrant community of bees, tirelessly working to pollinate plants and produce delicious honey. Bees are vital to our environment, and we’re thrilled to share their stories and a few helpful tips with you!
🍯 OUR BUZZING BEE HIVES
We now have three active hives located in the former “Secret Garden” area managed by Nathaniel. Each hive tells a unique story. Did you know the first hive came all the way from Shard End? While the bees from that colony decided to explore new horizons (last seen heading for Hagley Road), our newer colonies are thriving. The bees love the allotment’s lush environment, and we make sure they’re well-cared for, even during the winter with sugar fondant to supplement their food stores.
🌼 BEE-FRIENDLY FLOWERS
Want to help the bees? Add some of these long-flowering plants to your plot. They’ll attract bees and keep them busy buzzing all season long:
- Viper’s Bugloss
- Borage
- Hyssop
- Helenium Autumnale
- Verbena
For more flower tips and research on helping pollinators, visit www.rosybee.com/research.
❄️ WINTER BUZZ: WHY ARE BEES FLYING IN THE COLD?
Have you seen bees flying on sunny winter days? Like us, they enjoy a little fresh air! During cold spells, they cluster around their queen to keep her warm and protect her. When the weather warms, the queen starts laying eggs, preparing for a busy spring and summer.
🐝 JOIN THE BUZZ
Bees are an essential part of Harborne Hill’s ecosystem, and their presence enriches our allotments in countless ways. Want to know more about our buzzing friends or get involved? Contact Archie for hive tours or more information about supporting our bee community.
🌸 Together, let’s keep Harborne Hill buzzing with life!
⚠️ SPOTTED A SWARM? LET US KNOW!
If you see a bee swarm on the allotments, please notify us as soon as possible. The quicker we act, the better the chances of safely collecting and relocating them to a new hive.
Fun Fact: Two recent swarms in the same tree were successfully rehomed thanks to our speedy response!