Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Why Phacelia Honey is so Good!

Phacelia honey is highly regarded for several reasons that significantly contribute to its enduring popularity among honey enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. One of the primary attributes of Phacelia honey is its distinct and nuanced flavour profile. It offers a delicate, light sweetness, complemented by hints of captivating floral and subtle herbal notes, making it a delightful and versatile addition to a wide variety of teas, baked goods, and various dishes where it can enhance the overall taste. Unlike some stronger varieties, Phacelia honey’s mildness makes it particularly adaptable for both culinary uses and for sweetening a range of beverages.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

The Incredible Honey Bee Waggle Dance: Nature’s Own GPS

In the world of honey bees, communication is key to survival. These industrious insects rely on complex social behaviours to thrive, and one of the most fascinating of these behaviours is the "waggle dance." This remarkable dance is not just a quirky bee behavior—it's an intricate form of communication that allows honey bees to share vital information about food sources with their hive mates.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Why does Honey Crystallise and go Solid?

You might have noticed that sometimes honey crystallises and becomes hard. This is a completely natural process and doesn't mean your honey has gone bad. In fact, crystallisation is a sign that your honey is pure and high-quality. Let's explore why this happens and how you can deal with crystallised honey.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

How Bees Forage for Honey: Nature’s Sweet Harvesters

Bees are nature’s hardworking harvesters, playing a vital role in the ecosystem and providing us with the sweet treat we all love—honey. But how do these tiny creatures accomplish the complex task of foraging for nectar and turning it into honey? Let’s delve into the fascinating process of how bees forage for honey.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Bee-Friendly Gardens: Cultivating a Buzz for Honey Bees!

In the intricate tapestry of our ecosystem, honey bees play a vital role in maintaining balance and biodiversity. As pollinators, they contribute to the reproduction of countless plant species, ensuring a rich and diverse environment. However, in recent years, the honey bee population has faced numerous challenges, from pesticide exposure to habitat loss.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Bees in winter

The Winter Survival of Honey Bees. As the cold grip of winter sets in, honey bees face a unique set of challenges to survive until spring arrives. These remarkable insects possess several abilities that enable them to endure the harsh winter months with impressive resilience.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Asian Hornet: A Growing Concern!

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is an invasive species native to Eastern Asia. It has garnered increasing attention worldwide due to its potential impact on biodiversity, as well as its aggressive behaviour and painful sting. First detected in Europe in 2004, the Asian hornet has steadily spread across the continent, posing ecological and economic threats to various regions including the UK

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Our History with Honey Bees

Honey bees have played a significant role in shaping our natural world and maintaining ecological balance for thousands of years. Their symbiotic relationship with humans dates back to ancient civilisations, making honey bee history an intriguing tale of coexistence and mutual benefit.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Honey Bee Queens - Dispelling the Myth of Their Rule

Honey bees are one of the most fascinating and crucial insects for the continued thriving of our environment and the plants we rely on for food. However, there is a persistent myth that honey bee queens are the rulers of the hive…

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Ivy Honey: The Undiscovered Manuka Honey of the UK!

Honey is undoubtedly one of the most popular sweeteners around the world. It has a plethora of health benefits, including antimicrobial properties that can help boost your immune system, soothe coughs or sore throats, and even aid in wound healing.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

The Sweet Rewards for the Beekeeper

Beekeeping allows you to connect with nature in a unique and interactive way. As a beekeeper, you become an observer and custodian of a small yet vital ecosystem that plays an essential role in pollinating the plants on which we depend.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

The Buzz About Honey Bees in Spring!

Spring is the time when honey bees start getting to work. Bees have been overwintering in their hives, clustering close together to stay warm in the colder temperatures.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Why Propolis is the Ultimate Immune System Boost

Propolis is a powerful immunomodulator, which means it has the ability to enhance and balance the immune system. Studies indicate that propolis stimulates the production of antibodies that play a vital role in fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Can we survive without honey bees?

It's hard to imagine a world where honey bees don't exist. Recently, their global decline has sparked much concern as scientists are now concerned that our lives could be drastically impacted if we were to lose them all. Honey bees play such a vital role in food production and pollination, making them an essential part of the ecosystem.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

Fake honey!

The sweet flavour of honey is a favourite for many around the world, but unfortunately, there are some cases where honey isn't all that it seems.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

The Importance of Honey Bees

We all know honey bees are important, but do you know just how vital they are to our ecosystem? These little flying insects are responsible for pollinating a whopping one-third of the world's crops.

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Nigel Shipton Nigel Shipton

The Sweet Truth About Raw Honey

Let's talk about honey. Not the squeezable kind that comes in a plastic bear, but real, unprocessed honey. You know, the sticky stuff that's made by bees and tastes like summer? Yeah, that stuff. Raw honey is one of nature's most perfect foods - it's sweet, delicious, and packed full of nutrients that are essential to our health.

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