Brookfield Farm Summer 2018 and Hiveshare Update Newsletter
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Written by Ailbhe Gerrard
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Written by Ailbhe Gerrard
Brookfield Farm Hiveshare + News Summer 2018
Welcome to your July Hiveshare newsletter.
Hiveshare 2018 Honey Celebration is nearly with us -Sunday August 19th. We can't wait! Pleasebook hereif you would like to come for the day on the farm (free to Hivesharers, but need to book). And there is an additional attraction, a delicious Brookfield lamb bbq on offer too.Click here to let us know your preferences for BBQ on 18th or 19th August. The BBQ has limited numbers and always sells out fast!
We have interesting bee information and great farm photos and videos onfacebook- like our page to see them!
Hiveshare 2018 runs from November 2017, and Hiveshare Cert no. 1279 and higher. Any questions on Hiveshare and how it works? We're delighted to answer, just have a look at our FAQ or email ailbhe@brookfield.farm
Brookfield Farm in the news!
We have had great interest recently in our beekeeping and farming and candlemaking from newspapers and magazines.
Have a look here at our recent and upcoming coverage:
The Taste Of Lough Dergfood series has two events from Brookfield Farm this summer. We just had a successful and well attended Yoga session led by Yoga in Terryglass on the lakeshore at Brookfield followed by delicious nibbles and elderflower drinks. Upcoming event: 'You CAN eat the view' farm biodiversity walkcoming up on 25th August -book here.
Don't miss our other fun days out on the farm - check out Heritage week late August when we plan a badger watch and stargazing evening!
Mid summer
The summer has been amazing for warmth and sun. This was good initially for flowers and nectar flow, but then the drought dried up lots of flowers. Some beekeepers we've chatted to are happy, apart from wasp attacks on hives. Others felt it was too hot and the lack of rain dried up the nectar flow. We noticed our own bees loving the flower meadows - we sow about 10 acres every spring on the farm.
Mentor beekeepers who work with us also have extra hives and feed into Hiveshare, which is great news.
We haven't harvested honey yet on Brookfield Farm, but we will be getting to that lovely golden sticky treasure in coming weeks.
Your Hiveshare honey we plan to get to you late autumn - we'll be in touch about delivery and collection.
Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship Report
Ailbhe handed in her agricultural research report in November. She focused on farmers reaching consumers in new and innovative ways, helping to keep farms viable.
The past 2 years involved a lot of travel and research - travelling with 10 Nuffield Scholars to visit farms and agri-people in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Israel, Netherlands and USA in 2016 and 2017. Ailbhe also undertook individual travel and research to UK and South Korea in 2017.
Early July we finished the barley harvest, the earliest harvest we can remember, delighted to have the grain saved. We baled the straw immediately and sent it on its way.
Emma did a lovely yoga pose on a bale last year, and I thought it should be revisited!
Pollinator friendly flower meadows
Goodness, they are colourful! We have about 10 acres of flower meadows sown on the farm to help the bees. All insects like the flowers - Cornflowers, daisies, phacelia, linseed and lots more.
There is a lovely blue and yellow and red show of flowers up on the hill. Cornflower and poppies are dominant in the lower fields and flax flowers have seeded which is really pretty.
These wildflower meadows will stand all winter, giving shelter to wildlife and seeds to feed the birds.
Brookfield Farm lamb -
We are sold out! Don't despair though, will have a few new store lambs shortly. Order now..and don't miss out. Reserve your tasty and healthy lamb for autumn and winter dinners.
We make our lovely beeswax candles by hand the traditional way. Melted pure hot beeswax builds up slowly in layers to make our beautifuldinner candles.
Handmade pure beeswax candles
We developed a new range in our natural candles - pure beeswaxhand pouredandhand dippedcandles. Really excited to see what you think, do have a look at our new range- they make super gifts!
We love to hear from you!
Do let us know how you are enjoying Hiveshare. And we'd be delighted for contact -emailor phone and we're thrilled to hear from you.
Thanks for contacting us! We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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