_{Bee Guardians}

_{We are passionate about bees at Wicor Primary.  Not only do we have four hives of honey bees, but we have just become bee guardians too with bees arriving in the post (much to the curiosity of Mrs Grist in the office)……}

_{It all started about a year ago when we listened to an assembly by our Headteacher Mr Wildman.  He told us all about the plight of bees and that we needed to do something to help.  After a bit of research we found out about solitary bees.  We were intrigued to find out that they don’t sting and that they live alone.  We also found out about how important they are when it comes to pollination.  At around the same time our teachers heard about a scheme to become ‘Bee Guardians’ for red mason bees and so we applied.  The red mason bee (Osmia bicornis), is an endangered native solitary bee, that doesn’t produce honey but which are really good pollinators.   This bee doesn’t have any pollen sacs, like our honey bees, instead the pollen gets stuck to the furry underside of its body and transferred to other plants that way.  It also simply loves fruit trees – which is why we placed the bee home by the raspberries and apple trees.  Hopefully, we will get a really good crop again this year.  Through the post, arrived the bee home with a letter telling us when, how and where to construct it.  We had a couple of months before it was needed so it was tucked away ready.} 

_{Then last Friday a tube arrived in the post with a letter telling us there were ‘live animals’ inside.  A little bit of cracking could be heard from the tube so we thought the bee home had better be constructed and the bees deposited inside.  The home was placed in our allotment, right next to the raspberry canes and just a short flight to our heritage orchard.  Then the pupating bees were placed inside the home.  When the weather warms up the bees will emerge from the tubes and settle into the garden.  The instructions with the bees told us that they will spend about two weeks settling into their new territories and mating before pollinating.  The pollen the bees collect gets packed into individual cells which are made of mud, so it is really important to have damp soil in a garden if they are to survive.  This is great news as it means we have to make sure there is always a muddy puddle near the bee home.  Once the cell is packed with pollen, the female will lay an egg in each cell, seal it with mud and then go on to make another cell.  The tubes are completely filled with eggs, with the females in the middle of the tube and the males at either end so the males emerge first in spring.  They are the only bees legally allowed to be kept on allotments because they do not sting so they are fantastic for our school.  In September we will be sending the filled tubes back to the Bee Guardian company who will overwinter them and keep the bees healthy.  The brilliant bit is that next spring we will get a fresh batch of tubes and some more cocoons so we can keep helping the bees year after year.  What’s not to love about that?}    

The Bees are Back in Town

The Bees have spent the winter in their hives clustered together to keep warm.

They eat the honey that they have spent all summer making which gives them the energy to generate warmth, and they will do this to keep the very centre of the cluster a nice 32 degrees celsius all winter long.

In the middle of this warm cluster the Queen is kept warm and fed, and as the spring approaches she will begin to lay a small number of eggs, to replace the winter bees that will start dying off with spring bees needed to start the colony expansion when spring comes.

Whenever the outside temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius the worker bees will be able to leave the hive to do some outside chores, they are:

·         Going to the toilet, because they won’t do that inside the hive no matter how long they have to stay in, they are very hygienic.

·         Collecting water, to reconstitute honey back into a more nectar like substance that is easier to feed on.

·         Collect any available pollen to feed the new larvae, pollen being a protein source that is need to help them grow.

Soon, when the outside temperature is regularly above 13-14 degrees celsius, I will do the first inspection of the year to see how they are getting on.

This is a tense moment for me, did they have enough food to survive? Was the varroa population reduced to a tolerable level? Have they survived the winter?

Also it is the best time of the year, as I get to see them again after a long winter of needing to leave them alone to keep warm, I have missed them very much!

B Wing

Instructions for Observing Bees by Ruby Ogden 3M

What you need:

·         A bee suit with hood and long gloves

·         A bee keeper or other adult

·         A pair of wellies

·         A smoke gun

 

 

Safety Tips:

·         Don’t be scared

·         Move around slowly

·         If the bees rest on you don’t flap your arms or they will fly away

 

 

1.      First, stand quietly outside the apiary without making any loud noises.

2.      Next, sit carefully on the log and take off your shoes.

3.      After, step slowly into your bee suit.

4.      Then pull your suit up and put your arm into the sleeve.

5.      Next you need to put your long gloves on and make sure that they are on top of your sleeves.

6.      Then pull your hood up and zip it up, but make sure your hair is out of your face and in the hood.

7.      Put your wellie boots on and wait for an adult to come.

8.      When you enter the apiary, you need to put your hands behind your back so the bees don’t get scared.

9.      After you come out make sure you have no bees on you. 

 

 

 

 

 

3M with the Bees on Autumn Grounds Day

3M were very busy during our Autumn Grounds Day!  We had the wonderful opportunity of visiting our very own bee hives, with a Bee Keeper.  Not only did we visit the apiary, but we actually got the chance to dress in our very own bee suits and study the hives.  We were so intrigued by our bees, that we wanted to find out more about these incredible creatures. 



Kitting up to study the bees

 

We learned about how to write effective instructions to explain how to observe our bees and we started to research about these insects to answer our enquiry question, 'Why do we need bees?'

We learned that there are far more to bees meets the eye.  Without these creatures, not only would there be far fewer wild flowers and plants, but the world’s food production would also change radically.  Certain foods, such as almonds, blueberries and tomatoes, rely solely on bees for pollination and a world without tomato pizza would be a very sad place!

During October of this year, America placed bees on the Endangered Species list for the first time ever, which saddened us deeply.  Many of us didn’t realise just how important bees are to our world and if we don’t act now, our world will be a far less colourful place to live.

Ready to enter the apiary

 

 



 

Bee exploration

Today was an exciting day - I was at last going to get to go into the apiary and see the bees.  They are now awake and busy after the winter, so I was going to see some action.

Mr Warren inspects our hives weekly, and I met him there to find out for myself what happens.  The colony within the observation hive inside the shed is working really well and the queen is busy laying eggs; she is a young queen so full of vigour.  The hive outside has a queen which is 3 years old and starting to slow down, but the colony is still very healthy.

This is the entrance to the indoor hive.  A small hole within the apiary enclosure. The white plate and landing zone are to guide the bees, and enable them to find the entrance on a large blank shed side.

After donning the bee suit in I went while Mr Warren opened the hives and checked the slides.  Each showed a selection of activities - from larvae to honey, drone cells to nectar.  It was fascinating to watch the bees making a bee line (yes an actual bee line) from the apiary and over the side gate to the nearest source of nectar which we think is a line of horse chestnuts.  And that leads me into the different colours of pollen in the sacs.  We spotted bright yellows, greens and one bee with dark red pollen sacs.  Fascinating.



The bees were so gentle and docile, taking no notice of us at all as they were busy.  It was such a privilege today to see them at their work.  I'm quite envious of the Year 4 children who will soon be starting an enquiry on the different colours of pollen and where the bees might be sourcing it.

The way into the indoor hive is through this channel - the entrance to which is a small hole on the outside but within the enclosure.

The top of our observation hive

Our fabulous observation hive.

Poached eggs take 2

Our hens produce lovely fresh eggs and up until this moment the thought of enjoying a poached egg at school for breakfast had escaped me.  Then someone mentioned eggs benedict...
Cue Mrs Nash who explained that her husband cooked poached eggs using a cup and microwave.  Suddenly the possibility of a poached egg for breakfast seemed to be a reality.
2 minutes later, the ping of the microwave signalled the moment life was about to change forever at Wicor.

Behold a poached egg and tasty it was too.

The first Wicor poached egg in breakfast club....yum!

Mark Wildman

Early Nectar

Our mild weather has meant that we have seen a greater number of bees about. At Wicor we have carefully planted a wide variety of plants that flower through some of the darker months! This has provided our own bees with a good supply of much needed nectar.

Helleborus odorus

                                                Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Rosmarinus officinalis

Mahonia japonica

How do you like your eggs in the morning?

Mrs Keeling recommends our lovely, fresh, organic eggs for poaching.  They only need a few minutes in boiling water and bind together beautifully.

It would be interesting to know how you have used our school hens' eggs.  Do let us know.

Bees meet children meet bees

On Wednesday 30th September, Year 3 were the first intrepid explorers of our apiary along with Mr Warren, our beekeeper, and Mr Barnard.  This was all part of our autumn grounds day which had a focus on food and harvest.  During the day everyone had a chance to learn about our bees, talk to Mr Cavill from BeeGood, make bee homes and visit the apiary.   Bee suits for the children had kindly been provided by NATS at Swanwick and Year 3 took full opportunity of their arrival.

Everybody was fascinated by the bees, and how they behave.  Even the nervous among us decided to have a go and went into the apiary with Mr Warren.

Simon Cavill then talked to the the children about how wax, honey and propolis from the bees can be used in beauty products.  He also taught them about a bee's waggle dance.  Mr Warren provided some honey from the bees on site for everyone to taste.

What a great day!

There's a buzz at Wicor

Preparing the base for the apiary

The observation shed

When a parent approached us with a tentative question - How do you feel about keeping some bees at Wicor? - we pounced.  Yes please!  We had been researching this possibility for several years and decided that the time had come to put theory into practice.  We identified an area and set to work to create a first class apiary. 
 

Preparing the fence

 

The apiary is ready for bees

The Circle of Life

It was a very sad day today.  We lost our lovely hens - all eight of them - to a hungry fox. The hens had proven to be such worthy companions and the children have learned so much from caring for them and I have to say that the hens appeared to be equally fond of the children.
Or sadness was heightened when we discovered that the hens had left us a lovely clutch of eggs.  They started laying only a day after they came to live at Wicor and settled in beautifully and have provided eggs and company ever since.  They were a hale and hearty bunch, so it came as a shock to discover our tragic loss this morning.
It was difficult to see just how the fox got in.  There were no holes under the fence, although the fox clearly tried to dig in - our defences were good.  There was no sign of it climbing over.  This was a mystery, only finally solved with the use of our CCTV recordings.  The fox climbed up the close mesh and managed to squeeze through the larger mesh.   We would not have believed it had we not seen it happen on film.
The hens have been such a fantastic learning resource and the children have cared for them well.  We will certainly get more hens but first to improve the mesh.  At least we know what we need to do.

We talk to the children about predators and prey and the circle of life but it is only when something like this happens that the message is really brought home.

Easter Eggs

EASTER WITH THE HENS

 

We have had a wonderful term with our Wicor Chickens and all the classes

have now had a turn to look after them. 

They have coped with wind, rain and very icy weather, and the other day I watched them all lined up, basking in the hot sunshine!

They are so happy that for the last three weeks they have ALL laid an egg every day, so do the maths....

 

(7x8=?)x3=?

 

That's a lot of eggs!

 

 

 

Some of the Year 3 children have been finding out how to 'blow' an egg, to get the insides out and decorate them.

 

 

 First, Mrs Coles made a hole in

                               both ends with a sharp needle.                                

  

 

We then had lots of fun blowing the albumen ('white part') out through the hole..........

                                 .................. followed by the yolk ('yellow part').
                                                                    It was yucky!

Mrs Kimber had a go, too.

              

When we had washed and dried them, we had a good time designing and doing our decorations, threading a line through to hang them from, and adding jewels at each end to stop up the holes.....and make them look lovely.

Izzy, Ruby, Ellie and Blossom were very proud of the results!

 

Happy Easter everyone, enjoy your Easter Eggs, and have a go at 'blowing' one.

 

In case you're wondering, the hens will have a great time while everyone's on holiday

being looked after by:

Mrs Pattison, Mrs Knight, Mrs Williams, Mrs Hurst and Mrs Coles.

 

Thank you, ladies!

                            

The Solar Eclipse

The date; 20th March
The time: 9.30 am
The place: Wicor Primary
The event:  Solar eclipse

We waited for the cloudy sky to clear, for just a tiny glimpse of the Sun.  Nothing but clouds.
The time came and the sky darkened.  The birds stopped singing...even our hens went quiet - they seemed strangely subdued.  It was Class 5M's turn to look after the hens and check on their eggs.

Meanwhile back in Year 3, Mr Wildman was explaining the strange things that sometimes happen during a solar eclipse...you know, like birds laying strange coloured eggs.

Lunchtime:  Class 5M look in on hens and see if there are any eggs...

Look what they found...

There were 9 eggs (but they usually lay 8) and one of them was...GOLD!  The eclipse had worked its magic.  The hens had laid a golden egg.  

No, it's definitely a golden egg 

Let's seek the wisdom of Mr Wildman. 

But he's usually asleep in Darwin's chair at this time.

No we must wake him.

Yes, it's a golden egg - the eclipse has affected one of the hens 

"I was only talking to Year 3 about this strange phenomenon.  Go and show them, they'll be amazed."

Look, Year 3...a golden egg

2W's Chicken Week

2W looked after the chickens this week. Mrs Coles and Mrs Pattison helped us. We fed some corn to the chickens; they were happy to peck it out of our hands. We ensured they had fresh water everyday.
We also checked in the chicken coop to see if there were any eggs. Most days we collected 6 eggs when we went in the morning. We sold these at the office everyday.
Some of us were brave enough to pick up the chickens carefully. We were delighted to finally meet our Year 2 chicken, Billie-Daisy. We knew how to identify her because she has a green band around her leg.
Wicor chose to have hens and not roosters so we would get eggs everyday. Roosters would also have been too loud for our neighbours!

Eggs for the Office

Daily half dozen

Billie-Daisy turned out to be a bit of a handful!

4M look after the hens

We were very excited to have our turn in looking after the hens for the week before the spring half term holiday.  We were desperate to see how our own hen for Year 4, Egg Sheeran, had settled in with her companions and to see how many eggs we would find each day in their nesting boxes!  A group of us went out each day, making sure that we listened carefully to our instructions on the correct way to hold the chickens, how much feed and water they need and how to clean the path in their home.

collecting the eggs

Will the real Egg Sheeran stand up?

We also learned that in order to make sure that we did not carry germs into our chicken’s habitat; we needed to use a special foot bath to wash the bottom of our shoes.  The foot bath was really easy to use and we were very careful to make sure that each one of us used it before entering the chicken run.  As the foot bath contains a special disinfectant, we made sure that after we had used it, the lid was carefully replaced so that other wildlife and the local cats could not drink it.  If that happened, these animals could become very ill indeed, so we learned how important it is to care for ALL of our animals and our feline visitors.

Class 4M

Why were staff wearing funny shoes?

Last week Miss Fuller and Mrs Coles put on special footwear and went walking in the chicken poo, closely watched by Mr Wildman and the chickens. Why? We were collecting the poo to send off for testing for salmonella.  This is not something that we have to do by law, because of the number of chickens that we have and the environment that they are kept in, but is something that as a school we think is worthwhile.  The samples are sent to a testing centre in Newcastle every three months.

1N with the hens

We have loved looking after the hens this week. Lots of us have hens at home so we are very knowledgeable.

Every day we have given the hens new food and water. We were really good at keeping the path clean and we found lots of eggs.

Just like 3N we found a ginormous egg...
 ...and when we cracked it open it had 2 yolks!

We weren't sure why it had 2 yolks but we thought it might be that if the egg was fertilised and hatched then twin chicks would come out. If you know the answer then please do let us know.

The hens have had lots of treats from us this week.  We made small parcels filled with seed. The hens had to figure out how to open the parcels to get to the seed which they managed very quickly.

 

As it was Halloween last week we gave the hens a pumpkin and after just one day this what we found...

It had been completely scoffed!



Half Term for the Hens

This was the first half term for our hens and they were in for a quiet week. There were no children in school to pop over and chat to them, so they had to make do with visits from a few willing grownups!

Well that's what we thought, until Monday morning, when workmen arrived to do things around the school and proved to be very interested in the chickens.
They came over and talked to them and chatted to school staff, with helpful advice and ideas. 

Mrs Knight, Mrs Hurst, Miss Neale, Mrs Pattison and Mrs Coles all came in to see them and made sure they had plenty of food and water. Water was no problem, it seemed to rain a lot last week!

We discovered that the hens quite like going out in the rain. They all got soaked through several times and looked very bedraggled, but when the rain was really heavy, they huddled together under a bush. When the sun came out they lined up, with their backs to the sun, drying their fluffy backsides out!

On Wednesday morning, Mrs Coles found a really tiny egg (smaller than a golf ball) in amongst the ordinary sized ones. When it was opened there was no yolk!
                                                     
We had fun at night when putting the hens to bed as the clocks went back on Sunday. We wondered if the hens would mind going to bed an hour earlier.
But it didn't matter, they like to be inside when it gets dark, so trooped happily into their lovely henhouse at dusk.
                                                     

Frittata

 

Year 6 had a smashing time during the last week of this term using the eggs laid by the Wicor hens.  30 eggs were laid during our week, and so we all learnt how to make frittata.  To give it a really 'home grown' feel, we also used peppers and onions from the allotment.  The recipe was:

 

Ingredients:

1 onion (chopped into small pieces)

1 sweet pepper (sliced into small pieces)

4 eggs

100g feta cheese

 

Method:

 

Switch the oven onto 180/160 Fan/gas mark 4.

 

Grease a 16 cm round dish which is suitable for the oven.

 

Slice the onion and pepper, and fry gently in a pan.

 

Crumble the feta cheese in a bowl.

 

In a separate bowl whisk the 4 eggs until fully combined.

 

Tip the eggs, onion and pepper into the bowl with the cheese and mix well.

 

Gently pour into the greased dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden around the edges and the egg is set in the middle.

 

Cut into portions, eat with a side salad and enjoy.

 

 

 

Everyone ate a portion of the frittata they had made straight from the oven.  Delicious!