Bee swarm collection in Bedfordshire

Oilseed rape is the dominant early flow across central Beds, supplemented by field beans. The Greensand Ridge brings sweet chestnut and bramble in the woods of Woburn, Aspley and Sandy. Lime lines the Georgian streets of Bedford and the older parts of Ampthill and Leighton Buzzard. Chalk grassland herbs — wild thyme, marjoram, knapweed — are still found on the downland fringe near Dunstable. Rosebay willowherb in the disused brickworks is a minor but characteristic flow; ivy on limestone village walls finishes the year.

Beds Beekeepers' Association and the Luton branch between them cover the county. Collectors here are experienced with the distinctive long chimney pots of Bedfordshire brick cottages, as well as modern estate gardens and the tight quarters of Luton suburbs.