THE latest meeting of the Okehampton Beekeepers was held on Thursday, February 14.

More than 30 members attended the meeting in Whiddon Down to hear a talk from Hannah Bailey from Modern Beekeeping, a firm based in Barnstaple. Hannah spoke about the operation and advantages of the new high density polystyrene hives sold by her firm.

Hannah has five years of experience keeping bees in polystyrene hives, and brought examples of Langstroth and British National polystyrene hives to the meeting for members to expect.

These type of hives are used widely in Europe, with their improved insulation properties and durability.

In Finland, bees can survive in these types of hives under several feet of snow throughout the winter months. The insulation also means the hives build up faster in spring.

If painted each year, the hives can last for more than 30 years of regular use. Other benefits discussed were cost and sterilisation.

The meeting concluded with tea and refreshments.

The final meeting of the group's winter programme will be on March 14 when Ray King will discuss swarm control.