Join Maya the worker bee as she bids farewell to the summer bees, keeps an eye on the hive’s dwindling food stores and prepares for the long winter ahead. With plenty of bee-inspired wordplay and a cheeky look at life inside the hive, Maya shares another entertaining tale of life in a honey bee family.

In this article, FDBKA Education Officer Alan Baxter explores how winter bees develop and how warmer autumns, changing pollen availability and extended brood rearing could affect colonies and Varroa levels.

Ever wondered what your bees think of you? Alan Baxter takes us inside the hive for a hilarious and thought-provoking imaginary interview with a bee who has rather strong opinions about her beekeeper!