best subspecies of honeybee for Sussex County, England
So, I've got a (modern-day) character who's moving to Sussex to keep bees. Yes, like Sherlock Holmes. :)
I've got a fair amount of research accumulated, but I'm having difficulty ascertaining what subspecies of honeybee would be best suited for an amateur beekeeper in Sussex County. I'm tempted to go with Carniolans for their docility--the swarming is not really an issue, since he's not worried about depleting stock--is there any reason they wouldn't do well there? It seems like Apis mellifera mellifera is actually the most popular kept bee in England, but I'm afraid that might be too advanced for this guy, who's only ever read about bees in books.
Also, what area of Sussex would be best for his endeavors? I was thinking the South Downs, since it seems to get the least rain, but really I have no clue. (Ideally he should be close to a large-ish town or city.)
Is there anything else I should know about beekeeping in England? (I'm an American, so pardon me if I seem painfully ignorant. Internet research can get one only so far, and for some reason every single book on beekeeping in my local public library is checked out. Must be something in the water.)
I've got a fair amount of research accumulated, but I'm having difficulty ascertaining what subspecies of honeybee would be best suited for an amateur beekeeper in Sussex County. I'm tempted to go with Carniolans for their docility--the swarming is not really an issue, since he's not worried about depleting stock--is there any reason they wouldn't do well there? It seems like Apis mellifera mellifera is actually the most popular kept bee in England, but I'm afraid that might be too advanced for this guy, who's only ever read about bees in books.
Also, what area of Sussex would be best for his endeavors? I was thinking the South Downs, since it seems to get the least rain, but really I have no clue. (Ideally he should be close to a large-ish town or city.)
Is there anything else I should know about beekeeping in England? (I'm an American, so pardon me if I seem painfully ignorant. Internet research can get one only so far, and for some reason every single book on beekeeping in my local public library is checked out. Must be something in the water.)