Brookfield Farm Hiveshare Greetings You are very welcome to Brookfield Farm Hiveshare. This is a first update on your hive in 2016. Any questions on Hiveshare and how it works? We're delighted to answer, just have a look at our FAQ or email ailbhe@brookfield.farm You might like to know about the hives in winter. The bees in this low season are very different from their summer buzz, they are quietly waiting in their frames for the spring to return. We picked a bright, warm winter day to peek at a few hives to see how they were getting on, and to show you what's happening. January was too cold, so we waited til February!

January hive snow shower

Winter care Each year we prepare our colonies for winter, a difficult time of the year for bees. Bees are cold-blooded, so cluster to stay warm. They generate heat by flexing their wing muscles and take turns being on the outside of the ball. The queen is in the middle of the cluster, protected by worker bees surrounding her. She will not leave this cluster for several months.

During the winter the bee cluster will slowly move around the hiveand consume their stores. If the bees become disconnected from their food stores they may starve.  Bees are very good housekeepers and like to keep their hive clean. On warmer winter days when the temperature rises above 14C they will quickly fly out to get water and begin to clean the hive. We've seen pollen carried in by the buzzy ladies! We can't wait for spring!

Facebook Pop over to our Facebook page for bee photos, seasonal farm updates and interesting news.   Like our page to get these updates. We love to hear from you! You are invited! We are planning the Honey Celebration for August - what date suits you best? Let us know!

Beeswax candles! We hand make delicious pure natural beeswax candles on Brookfield Farm too! Available on our website.

What do our customers say? David: 'Just as an FYI the actual lamb was delicious' 'We got our lovely lamb! Thanks very much!' Anne Louise Morwenna: 'Delicious! Highly recommend it, .... slow roast lamb shoulder with thyme and fennel seeds ... kids demolish all the chops, well worth it.' Claire, Winner of the Brookfield Farm 'Win a lamb for Christmas' competition: 'Succulent and delicious.. conveniently delivered to the door' Farm news Ailbhe is now a Nuffield Agricultural Scholar, which funds international travel and agricultural research. It's one of the highest awards for agricultural leaders and a great honour. www.nuffield.ie Ailbhe is also teaching farm business planning in Gurteen Agricultural College - a new term and enjoying meeting new students! As part of GLAS environmental scheme, we will sow 3 hectares (around 8 acres) of farmland to wildflower meadows and wild bird cover in the spring. Good for biodiversity, beautiful flowers and great for our bees!

Not only bees- Lamb too! Our lamb enterprise is now in organic conversion! We have delicious Brookfield Farm lambs, you can book ahalf or a whole lamb. We regularly have lambs ready to go, delivered to your door. That's winter's dinners sorted! Any questions? email lamb@brookfield.farm

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