As many will have seen in the media and on online forums, there have been high numbers of winter losses across the UK. Therefore, it is not surprising that there has already been an extremely high number of members registering a request to receive a swarm if one becomes available via the PDBKA Free Swarm Collection Service that is offered across the Portsmouth & District area.
As there is no way to determine how many swarms will become available, and to help manage expectations, the list will close to new registrations on 31st March. The list will re-open once enough swarms have been able to be collected and allocated to the majority of those who have already signed up.
Priority will be given to those who have no bees when allocating a swarm.
As the number of swarms is unpredictable, we recommend that those who already have strong colonies and wish to increase, do this by making splits (which can also be part of their swarm control methods).
Thank you to all members who have volunteered to collect swarms – we are very grateful as the service could not be offered without your support. If you are a member and would like to volunteer to help collect swarms, please contact our Swarms Coordinator, Roy Luke to be added to the collectors group.
