The most comprehensive beekeeping resource ever published. This ultimate guide covers all the practical essentials & will teach you everything about caring for bees & safe hive management with clear instructions & step-by-step illustrations. It also contains a wealth of information about the culinary medicinal cosmetic & domestic uses of honey beeswax & pollen. So much more than just a practical handbook this beautiful almanac is also a fascinating read overflowing with charming bee trivia fascinating folklore an engaging history of beekeeping & much more besides. Discover bees in literature learn how to craft beeswax candles preserve fine wood with your own home-made furniture polish or indulge your skin with lavender & beeswax hand cream. Enjoy over 100 glorious honey recipes for cakes & breads sauces & marinades drinks & even flavoured spirits! Fully illustrated with practical photography stunning illustrations & unique etchings this is an invaluable handbook as well as a beautiful addition to your coffee table whether you're an active beekeeper with buzzing hives or an armchair enthusiast who daydreams about harvesting your own honey. The plight of the honeybee has been widely reported as numbers fall at an alarming rate. But its vital role in crop pollination & global agricultural means that the survival of the honeybee is essential; if it is to endure into the next century we must take it seriously now. The Collins Beekeeper's Bible does just that bestowing readers with all there is to know about bees in the hope that it will help secure the future of this fascinating insect. CONTENTS INCLUDE o History of honey & beekeeping o Building a beehive & staying safe o Caring for your bees
- pests & diseases o Growing flowers for bees o Collecting your honey o Household uses for honey & beeswax o Homeopathic medicinal & cosmetic uses for honey & pollen o Home crafts o Recipes for home-made food & drinks featuring honey