Bee swarm collection in Nottinghamshire

Oilseed rape dominates the spring flow on the light sandy soils between Newark and Retford. Sycamore and horse chestnut carry May; lime lights the streets of Nottingham, West Bridgford, Mansfield and Worksop. Sherwood Forest gives a strong sweet-chestnut and oak-honeydew contribution in June. Rosebay willowherb is exceptionally heavy on the ex-colliery spoil heaps — a genuinely distinctive Nottinghamshire flow — and bramble fills every disused rail corridor. Ivy on old cottage walls closes a productive year.

Nottinghamshire Beekeepers' Association has branches in Nottingham, Newark, Retford and Worksop. Collectors handle everything from red-brick terraces in the Meadows to Sherwood estate cottages and Dukeries farm buildings.