Learn how to make your own silicone candle mould from an ornament or keepsake. In this step-by-step guide, I share my simple method, handy tips, and what to watch out for, so you can create unique beeswax candles with a personal touch. Perfect for beekeepers, crafters and anyone who loves homemade candles!

The Asian hornet is an invasive predator threatening UK pollinators, especially honeybees. This blog offers a clear, bite-sized overview of what’s happening, how to spot the hornet, and what actions both beekeepers and the public can take. No jargon - just facts, practical advice, and links to trusted resources.

“Do you get stung a lot?” is the question I’m asked most as a beekeeper. In this post I share how often I’m actually stung, what affects sting risk, my A&E trip, how my reactions have changed over time, and practical safety tips and allergy awareness for hobby beekeepers.

Extract honey safely in a small kitchen and ace your food hygiene inspection. See my compact stainless steel setup, step-by-step extraction process, essential paperwork (HACCP plan, batch records), and how I passed with flying colours despite minimal space. Perfect for small-scale UK beekeepers selling honey.

Choosing the right PPE can make hive inspections safer and more comfortable. In this post I share the bee suits, gloves, hive tools and smokers I actually use, what’s worked (and failed) for me, and simple tips to help beginners choose kit that fits, cleans well and lasts.

Rendering beeswax from hive debris into clean bars is labour-intensive but worth it for small-scale beekeepers. See my step-by-step process using fire pit, kitchen stove, and double boiler filtering, plus practical tips for safe melting, straining, and mould pouring using household items. Perfect for making candles and polishes from your wax harvest.

Buying or selling honeybee nucs? Essential checklist of questions and prerequisites for both parties to avoid misunderstandings. Covers healthy bees, queen age, varroa treatments, sale agreements, Beebase recording, clipped queens, and beginner support - protecting buyers and sellers alike.

Wanting to start beekeeping? Learn from my first-year mistakes and successes: get hands-on practice before buying bees, choose mentors wisely, prepare 2+ new hives, practice shaking bees off frames, and prioritise disease spotting and inspection notes for confident, swarm-free beekeeping.