Celebrating bees, blooms, and springtime wonders
April has arrived, and with it, the hum of honeybees returns to our gardens and countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or simply a bee admirer, this is one of the most exciting months of the year. Nature is waking up, flowers are blooming, and bees are busier than ever.
Grapevines possess both the male and female reproductive parts to self-pollinate, so they aren’t counting on bees for fruit production, though they have been known to help in knocking off the caps that encase the flowers and future grapes. However, our bees do play a crucial role in pollinating the ground-cover beneath our grapevines. This special ecosystem contributes to a welcome increase biodiversity. It keeps the ground under foot in our vineyards from baking dry (particularly during the dry Spring we’ve experienced this year!) and also increases the input of organic matter back into the soil, so fuelling our wonderful vines.
🐝 Bees in April: What’s the Buzz?
Jack, our resident beekeeper is in tune with the hives on site here at Kingsthorne, and has seen a marked increase in activity in recent weeks.
After months of huddling through winter, bees are now flying freely on warmer days. They’re foraging for nectar and pollen from early spring flowers, helping pollinate our landscapes along the way.
Expect to see them buzzing around:
Dandelions
Willow trees
Blackthorn hedges
Cherry Pear and apple blossoms
These early blooms are essential for bees building up their strength for the season ahead.
🌷 As well as playing an important role in maintaining a happy, healthy environment for us here at the vineyard, bees are a number one priority for the Kingsthorne team at home. Why not take some easy steps to encourage bees in your own garden…
Plant early-flowering herbs and flowers like borage, lungwort, and comfrey.
Avoid using pesticides, especially when plants are in bloom.
Provide water—a shallow dish with pebbles gives bees a safe landing spot for a drink.
Leave the weeds! Dandelions may be a gardener’s nuisance, but to bees, they’re a lifeline.
📅 What’s On in Gloucestershire
🐝 Bee Walks & Talks
Keep an eye out for nature events at local wildlife centres and gardens. Some may offer guided bee walks or talks on pollinator conservation.
Dean Forest Beekeepers are a great first port of call for apiculture activities, support and information. Visit them at www.deanforestbeekeepers.co.uk
Should you encounter a swarm in your own garden or even in your house, the Dean Forest Beekeepers can liaise with a professional beekeeper; arranging for the swarm to be relocated safely to a lovely new home!
🌻 Seed Giveaways and Plant Sales
Various community groups and councils are distributing pollinator-friendly seed packets this spring—check your local library, council office, or community Facebook groups!
Flaxley’s very own Garden Club will be holding their annual plant sale here in our village, at Flaxley Schoolroom (May 5th at 10am) A wide variety of unusual plants draws pollinators such as bees, and also an eager crowd of gardeners, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
🍯 Food for thought; Did You Know?
A single honeybee will produce about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.
Bees can recognise shapes and even human faces. Some beekeepers have been known to mark their hive with symbols to help the bees find their way home—their brains are tiny but mighty!
Gloucestershire is home to a rich tradition of beekeeping, dating back centuries. It’s very likely our own Cistercian Monks of Flaxley Abbey would have kept bees for honey and mead.
Until Next Time…
Whether you’re tending a hive, planting a flower, or simply pausing to watch a bee at work, thank you for supporting pollinators this spring.
Buzzing with gratitude,
— Team Kingsthorne 🐝
