In message <000101c42952$a9c343e0$318a9ac2@haris8cjgnhodj>, Roger White <[log in to unmask]> writes >MM is well adapted the British >climate and is able to survive without much input from the beekeeper We have a late spring and only for a few days now has there been a temperature above 13C (50F) in my part of the UK. The nests now are expanding rapidly and strong colonies are on 9-12 frames (smaller than Langstroth) some making swarming preparations. They generally tick over gradually expanding in February and March to about 5 frames ready for the spring flow which is well under way now. The trouble is, it can go cold again and rain for long periods or intermittently on and off. I used to think we always had 2 good weeks in May and again in July, when we'd get a good crop from the sycamore (etc) and brambles (blackberries) (etc). Alas, not true. AMM seems to be able to manage this erratic climate well and I have noted mating flights in light rain (drizzle) and serious nectar gathering at low temperatures. The pollen management is superb - weeks-worth being normal and the winter preparation shows many frames are pollen covered with honey - just right for the spring build up. -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::