In this week's Podcast: A very Happy New Year to you all. It's a chilly start to 2026 so I've stayed in the office and figured now would be a good time to spill the beans on my beekeeping plans for the coming year.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 377 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

Beekeeping Courses at Thorne Beehvies in Wragby Lincolnshire 2026

Some of my Favourite Microscopy Books:

Pollen Loads of the Honeybee by Dorothy Hodges

Rex Sawyer's Pollen Identification

Pollen Grains and Honeydew by Margaret Adams

The Pollen Landscape by Joss Bartlett

Pollen Microscopy by Norman Chapman

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: With just a few days left before Christmas I thought it an opportune moment to reflect back on the beekeeping year that was 2025. The highs, the lows and the ups and the downs! All feeding in to my plans for 2026.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 376 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

Some of my Favourite Microscopy Books:

Pollen Loads of the Honeybee by DOrothy Hodges

Rex Sawyer's Pollen Identification

Pollen Grains and Honeydew by Margaret Adams

The Pollen Landscape by Joss Bartlett

Pollen Microscopy by Norman Chapman

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: We’re well into December now, fast approaching the Winter Solstice, that shortest day of the year. Then we’re on the slow road back to Spring and all the fun that the warmer weather brings us, but what’s going on in our hives right now, here’s what I think……

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 375 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

Some of my Favourite Microscopy Books:

Pollen Loads of the Honeybee by DOrothy Hodges

Rex Sawyer's Pollen Identification

Pollen Grains and Honeydew by Margaret Adams

The Pollen Landscape by Joss Bartlett

Pollen Microscopy by Norman Chapman

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: Happy December everyone, and with activity slowing down around the apiaries it’s an ideal time to dust down the microscopes and see what’s floating around in some of our honey samples.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 374 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

Some of my Favourite Microscopy Books:

Pollen Loads of the Honeybee by DOrothy Hodges

Rex Sawyer's Pollen Identification

Pollen Grains and Honeydew by Margaret Adams

The Pollen Landscape by Joss Bartlett

Pollen Microscopy by Norman Chapman

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: I’ve spent a bit of time at the workshop sorting through old super frames and trying to decide what’s the best way forward in terms of cleaning or not. Do we spend time and money boiling them, or is it better all round to consign them to the bonfire and start over?

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 373 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: The colder weather is upon us and it now feels like it should in November! I’ve been out and about around our apiaries and decided to rescue a small colony rather than let them die. I’m not sure if this is sensible or just a waste of time and effort. Listen in for the full sorry saga.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 372 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: Storm Claudia hits and it feels like the rain will never stop. I’ve been having a go at building a hive and still haven’t been able to sort out my colony that’s been attacked by wasps. Here’s this week’s beekeeping updates.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 371 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show

In this week's Podcast: Having discussed the more serious pests and diseases that can affect our colonies, it’s time to finish off our Varroa chat and conclude with some of the less problematic issues that we sometimes encounter.

Hi, I’m Stewart Spinks, welcome to Episode 370 of my podcast, Beekeeping Short and Sweet.

Please support our main sponsor and advertiser:

Hive Five Multi Guard Entrances

The National Bee Unit Varroa Information can be found HERE

Bee Aware Varroa Information can be found HERE

Thorne Beehives Bees on a Budget Hive

Brunel Microscopes - Beekeeper's Equipment here

The Beekeeper's Dictonary on Amazon

The Beekeeper's Dictionary website

Here are some links to the type of equipment I have discussed in previous podcasts.

Ethyl Acetate for colony destructions can be found here

Asian Hornet book by Sarah Bunker

The Beekeeper's Guide to Defences against the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet by Andrew Durham

Gardening Potting Tray for effective frame cleaning

Stainless Steel Stock Pots for use as a double boiler. Get one slightly larger than the other to fit inside.

Gas Stove for outdoor use to render wax and old comb.

Contact Me at The Norfolk Honey Company

VMD Website: Click HERE

Join Our Beekeeping Community in the following ways:

• Early Release & Additional Video and Podcast Content - Access Here
• Stewart's Beekeeping Basics Facebook Private Group - Click Here
• Twitter - @NorfolkHoneyCo - Check Out Our Feed
• Instagram - @norfolkhoneyco - View Our Great Photographs
• Sign Up for my email updates by visiting my website here

Amazon links are affiliate links. I recieve a small commission should you choose to purchase. This doesn't cost you any more but helps fund my podcast hosting site.

Support the show