Where I am, (Frome, Somerset), the weather at the moment is quite mild – up to 12ᵒC so if you visit your hives, you will see bees taking cleansing flights.

Check the local flora. Snowdrops are out as are crocuses, the latter especially being good sources of pollen and catkins are appearing on some hazel bushes. The bees will forage given the opportunity and you can assume the queen might even start laying. (Note I say might!). Hives and queens differ but it’s not unreasonable to expect it in some colonies.

Mid-month the storms hit! I went out and placed solid concrete blocks on all hives. They already had insulation panels (100mm Celotex squares) held in place with bricks, but in a storm, a brick is no good. You will need a heavy concrete block. Alternatively, you may be able to lash them down but, to be honest, a dirty great block is a lot easier! Your choice but do take precautions!