In spring, the first plants, dandelion and Willow tree provide initial forage for our bees and pollinators. Hence the request that gardeners not mow their lawns and to allow the dandelion and other plants to flourish and provide nurture for pollinating insects.
One of our native honey bees, Apis mellifera mellifera, working on a Willow tree in a garden in Dungarvan. Willow pollen is one of the first sources of pollen, ie protein for bees and pollinators after the long winter.
This is also the time for our Beginners’ Beekeeping Course, which is held each year at Dungarvan College. The course is taught by experienced Beekeepers, some of whom are qualified from the National University of Ireland, Galway during Covid, with Diplomas qualifying them to provide Adult Education.
This is also the time for our Beginners’ Beekeeping Course, which is held each year at Dungarvan College.
The classes which are run over 6 weeks, culminating with participants attending the Association Apiary, having the opportunity to meet with honey bees, under the watchful eye of their mentors. Two visits to the Association Apiary are part of the Beginners’ Course, run in partnership with the Waterford Educational Training Board, at Dungarvan College.