Peter Maben, Chairman of Taunton Beekeepers, said: “Local honey is a delicious and completely natural sweetener which tastes of the flowers which grow near the bees.

“Also, bees are vital pollinators within our food chain. One third of the food we eat would not be available but for bees.”

Currently local beekeepers are preparing their colonies for the winter and are exploring methods to protect their bees from the Asian hornet, a deadly predator which has been discovered north of the Mendips recently.

The group, which runs a teaching apiary at Bradford-on-Tone, is making preparations for its course for beginner beekeepers in the New Year.

Peter added: “The course has been run successfully for many years and continues to be popular as a great introduction to beekeeping.

“It provides a good grounding with both evening talks from experienced beekeepers together with practical ‘hands on’ experience with our apiary beehives at Heatherton Park during the spring and summer.”

The course costs £95.00 and starts on February 22 and includes six weekly lectures followed by practical sessions in the apiary throughout the spring and summer.

For more information contact: Mike Dillon, Training Co-ordinator, Taunton & District Beekeepers Association, mikedillonbees@gmail.com or 01823 669619/ 07585537030