There are many variations on making syrup and fondant to feed your bees. Here are some that have been suggested by the members. There may well be other variations on these.

Light syrup is usually given in the spring and is used in the belief that it stimulates the colony to build up. It may also be given when there is a gap in available forage. Heavy syrup is given to bees when they need to store food, in preparation for winter. Fondant can be used as an emergency feed, usually in winter, when it is thought that food stores have been depleted.

For all recipes, use white sugar with no additives.

Fondant / candy

Proportions are by volume:
5 of white sugar
1 of water
Heat carefully to 117 degrees centigrade.  This will be reached after boiling for about 3 minutes. Cool the solution in a sink of cold water, stirring until the mixture thickens and whitens. Pour into a suitable container. Place over the feeding hole in a crownboard. An eke may be needed to accomodate the fondant and container.

Heavy / thick syrup

2lbs of white sugar and 1 pint of water
7kg of white sugar and 4 litres of water
Heat gently and carefully until the crystals dissolve.

Light / thin syrup

1lb of white sugar and 1 pint of water
3.5kg of white sugar and 4 litres of water
Heat gently and carefully until the crystals dissolve.