Since 2011 the East London Mosque has been home to several beehives, looked after by husband and wife team Khalil and Salma.
Most of the hives are kept on the roof of the London Muslim Centre. There is a special observation area, housing one or more hives, near the Baraka Khan Visitor Gallery, where we get a super close-up view without having to go outside wearing protective gear!
This blog will show changes in the hive throughout the year. There’s little to report during winter, but during spring, summer and autumn there should be regular changes – we will try to keep you posted.
14 Jun 2020 – just how many beehives are on the roof now? Read more
14 Jun 2020 – a look at the parts that make up one of the beehives in our observation area Read more
13 Apr 2020 – First inspections show all hives strong and ready to expand. Read more
23 Mar 2020 – Although it’s just the start of Spring, all is looking well for our bees, but why not take some extra precautions? Read more
The end of 2019 brought a competition 1st prize, and a feature (again) on the BBC World Service. Read more
8 Oct 2019 – Winter preparations complete, some good news about the small swarm, and more mice... Read more
25 Sep 2019 – Annual treatment to protect bees against the parasitic Varroa mite. Read more
20 Aug 2019 – It's not yet autumn, but our beekeepers have been busy preparing the beehives for the colder months ahead. Read more
20 Jul 2019 – The Mosque was delighted to host a ‘swarm’ of beekeepers! Read more
11 Jul 2019 – The ‘rescued’ swarm’s queen appears to be laying, whilst there’s fighting going on at the entrance to one of the observation hives. Read more
6 Jul 2019 – The observation hives grow again, with a one-way route between layers – and glimpses of a mouse! Read more
30 Jun 2019 – An update on the small swarm, plus the culprit damaging the window sealant. Read more