Dear friends

Welcome to this special edition of BfD Journal. In normal times we would print and post to beekeepers in 130 nations – however the world’s postal services are currently severely disrupted, and we are communicating with you this way instead. We are distributing this special edition more widely too – so more of our supporters can enjoy it this time.

In this special edition we bring you a wonderful article by reader Mr Mrugank Divekar of Mumbai. Mrugank had opportunity to closely observe a nest of the little Asian honey bee Apis florea. He even managed to observe behaviour that has not been documented before – of the bees recycling their beeswax and taking it to a new nest site! Wonderful – this is the type of observation and description written by natural historians in Darwin’s time – please read his delightful description on page 8.

We bring you also specially prepared recipes by top expert soap maker Dr Sara Robb. Provided here are formulae for recipes that will work for you – whatever source of plant oils you have available. Follow the instructions carefully and you can create very high quality soap – for your own use or to market – this is an excellent way to add value to your bee products: there are always good markets for locally made, high-quality soap containing good ingredients.

Beekeeping events around the world are every week being cancelled or further postponed – we endeavour to give you the new dates on page 20 – check our website which we continuously update.

We know that beekeeping contributes to food and nutrition security, and many chronically poor people are now facing exceptionally hard times. We want to help you with your beekeeping, and training events. We have initiated a new WhatsApp broadcast for beekeepers and trainers working in the poorest regions: please join up – see page 21.

Nicola Bradbear Director, Bees for Development

President of Bees for Development

We are delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has accepted the role of President of Bees for Development!

Her Royal Highness has a sincere interest in beekeeping, with her own hives in her home garden. This year all proceeds from the sale of Her Royal Highness’s honey will be donated to Bees for Development.

We sincerely appreciate this endorsement for our work and welcome Her Royal Highness to her new role.