In a message dated 23/09/2006 13:11:26 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<Yeah Chris, but you are in the UK, where there isn't much of a  winter. 
Your 
bees bring in pollen in February...from Ivy, isn't it? And  that Gulf Stream 
effects what your bees  do.>>



Not from ivy, except possibly in the far  South-West. In my part of the UK 
(Midlands), there may be a very little brought  in on a warm February day, from 
snowdrops, Hellebores, and any other garden  flowers which may be out that 
early, but it really will be the odd day, and they  certainly won't bring in 
enough to make any significant difference. At that  point, hives will probably 
have a little patch of brood a couple of inches  across. A mild March will bring 
in more pollen, and broodrearing will increse,  but there won't be much income 
until the willows bloom, around the middle of the  month. Very often, of 
course, the weather is still too cold, wet or both to  allow significant foraging. 
 
    Don't jump to conclusions about our winters; they  may not be cold, but 
they're as long as anywhere else, too cold to allow  significant foraging, 
there is very little to forage on after the ivy finishes,  and they're often 
extremely damp. 
 
    Regards,
 
    Robert Brenchley

-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---