In this episode of Love The Bees, join host Yvonne Johnston as she sits down with experienced Wicklow beekeepers Dermot Fanning and Colm Penston. Together, they share valuable insights in their "Beekeeping Diaries," offering a practical to-do list for beginners and thought-provoking advice for seasoned beekeepers. Tune in as they discuss essential topics like the first inspection of the season and effective swarm control strategies, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to manage your hives successfully. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your existing practices, this conversation is packed with guidance to support your beekeeping journey.

Yvonne, Colm and Dermot are all graduates of the University Galway where they studied Apiculture.

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First Used)UrlBee recorded individually | Robertina by felix.blume -- https://freesound.org/s/588437/-- License: Creative Commons 000:00:00https://freesound.org/s/588437/Music Title: Cheerful Whistling https://www.patreon.com/posts/62277525 Released by: Oleg Mazur https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/00:00:00https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/29782/Bees.wavby Benboncan --https://freesound.org/s/73370/ -- License: Attribution 4.039:54.7https://freesound.org/s/73370/

These should be included in the description whenever you go to upload. and Bees in Ireland by Azvinz -- https://freesound.org/s/118899/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In this Biodiversity Slot of The Love The Bees Podcast, we will explore the vital role that our native bumblebees play in the garden. Special Guest: Dr. Una Fitzpatrick: We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Una Fitzpatrick from the National Biodiversity Data Centre, who will share her expert insights on the lifecycle of bumblebees and what they need to thrive in our gardens. Discover the fascinating world of these essential pollinators! Gardening Segment with Adrienne Kelly: Next, our resident horticulturist Adrienne Kelly will guide you on planting for our fluffy bumbles. Learn about the best plants to attract and support these garden helpers, ensuring your outdoor space is a vibrant haven for biodiversity. Birdman Eric Dempsey: Don’t miss a captivating discussion with bird expert Eric Dempsey, as he takes us on an incredible journey of the life of swallows. Available Now on Your Podcast Platform .

CreditsTimestamp First Used)UrlBee recorded individually | Robertina by felix.blume -- https://freesound.org/s/588437/-- License: Creative Commons 000:00:00https://freesound.org/s/588437/Music Title: Cheerful Whistling https://www.patreon.com/posts/62277525 Released by: Oleg Mazur https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/00:00:00https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/29782/Bees.wav by Benboncan --https://freesound.org/s/73370/ -- License: Attribution 4.039:54.7https://freesound.org/s/73370/

These should be included in the description whenever you go to upload. and Bees in Ireland by Azvinz -- https://freesound.org/s/118899/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Conversations on Beekeeping; what to do in your garden this month, with a spotlight on the Dandelion; and how to distinguish between different bird songs you might be hearing in your garden this month.

If you're as bee-obsessed as we are, you’ll feel right at home. This pilot show is your official invitation to get excited about this year's Beekeeping Season. It is your go-to space to chat, learn, and grow as a beekeeper, featuring insights from experienced beekeepers who know the ropes. Big thanks to Donegal Bees who have supported us to get this show out.

Just to be clear, we're not here to tell you what to do—our goal is to share our experiences and ideas, offering a wealth of knowledge for both novices and seasoned pros alike. We believe by sharing our experiences, it will make us all better beekeepers with happier bees. With every hive being unique, we aim to inspire you with practical tips about beekeeping, your garden and the birds in it.

This episode features brilliant minds like Colm Penston and Dermot Fanning, who’ll help you prioritise what matters in your beekeeping for the month of March. Plus, enjoy a chat with horticulturist extraordinaire Adrienne Kelly, who will guide you on how to create a bee-friendly garden that enhances local biodiversity. Then we finish the show with a chat with the Birdman, Eric Depsey, while he gives us some tips on how to identify what birds are singing in your garden at the moment.

And don’t miss our fun and interesting bee facts to share with family and friends!

Welcome to your new favorite Irish beekeeping podcast which is supported by Donegal Bees, Without them we would not be able to publish our show so if you want to hear more from us, think about getting that fondant you might need this month by purchasing with Donegal Bees. Follow us on Instagram at lovethebees.ie and let us know what you think. Thanks from Yvonne and the Love The Bees Team x

CreditsTimestamp First Used)UrlBee recorded individually | Robertina by felix.blume -- https://freesound.org/s/588437/-- License: Creative Commons 000:00:00https://freesound.org/s/588437/Music Title: Cheerful Whistling https://www.patreon.com/posts/62277525 Released by: Oleg Mazur https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/00:00:00https://www.chosic.com/download-audio/29782/Bees.wav by Benboncan --https://freesound.org/s/73370/ -- License: Attribution 4.039:54.7https://freesound.org/s/73370/