I tried hefting a couple of days ago in my out-apiary. I haven't felt it was necessary before. Hives C and D seem well supplied. Hive B is rather light, but it was always a smaller colony.

A bee got cross when I hefted hive D. It tried to attack me but was whisked away by the strong wind of Storm Barbara. Windy.

Hive A is unlikely to need any hefting as it's massive. I haven't tried Hive E, but I ought to. It's the most likely to be in need of help.

Foundation is a layer of wax which is placed in a frame. It is printed with hexagonal cell guides. The bees build their comb from it into the spaces between the frames. As far as I know nearly everyone who uses framed hives uses foundation.

The National Bee Unit has notified that the Asian Hornet has been found in the UK. The nest was discovered in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire. The nest has now been destroyed.

The Asian Hornet is said to attack honey bee colonies. In any case, non native species can cause severe disruption to the local ecology.