Sustainable Bristol

Time to Bee Inspired

Posted on 29 August 2011

When I was little, honey was simple. It came in jars, bees made it and certain bears got stuck in their homes if they eat too much.

Today, in less innocent times, the sudden collapse of bee populations, and with it our whole food system’s reliance on their pollination services, have catapulted these amazing creatures into the environmental frontline.

Fortunately the bees’ suffering at the hands of our environmental degradation has struck a chord with the public. Beekeeping in Bristol, and other urban areas, has rocketed over the last five years.

Now HoneyFest, an event taking place at the University of Bristol Botanical Gardens on 3–4 September will allow visitors to see inside a demonstration hive, with live bees behind glass.

The Bristol Beekeepers’ annual honey show will also provide a wide range of information on keeping bees, and on honey and beeswax products, with experts to explain the ins and outs of beekeeping for the curious, or potential beekeepers.

Dave Maslen President of Bristol Beekeepers’ Association, says: “Urban beekeeping has really taken off in the last five years, which is great news both for the bees and for all the species of plants that benefit from pollination. Beekeepers come from all walks of life but share a passion for learning and passing on our knowledge about one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Public interest is reflected in the fact that our membership has doubled in the last five years but we always welcome and support new members and our annual Honey Show is a fantastic opportunity to find out whether beekeeping is for you.”