A Smith Hive.

On the first Sunday of every month we, the Newbattle Beekeepers' Association, have our monthly meeting - except for this month. Hence I found myself, alone, at Newbattle today.

This style of beehive was designed by Willie Smith of Innerleithen (a pleasant if slightly strenuous cycle ride from here) specifically for Scottish conditions. The colder climate here means that colonies are not as strong as they are further south so the 'Smith' is smaller than most other hives; some think it is too small, but having a history of back problems I like it for its lower weight. It also has some technical advantages over other designs making handling the bees easier, clumsy handling does make the wee beasties a little tetchy.

Today, in spite of the cold, the bees were at a muddy puddle, their preferred source of water, presumably because there is less chance of drowning. Bee colonies are fairly immune to toxins that they may pick up when out foraging. The pesticides routinely applied to crops do find their way into the water, pollen and nectar that they collect; however, the individual bee is a garbage can, her body absorbs all the noxious substances leaving both the honey stores and the brood food clean. When she leaves the colony at the end of her short life, the toxins leave the hive with her.