Natural Honeybees Overview
Workshops for Adults
Several parents attending our family workshops asked us to run similar events for adults. So we decided to do just that, as well as repeating the family workshops.
Our adult sessions are also suitable for teenagers, but we ask that you come to a family session if you want to bring younger children.
Friendly, Informal and Interesting
The idea is to give some insight into our approach to beekeeping and the thinking behind it.
Each adult session is held round the kitchen table here at Rose Cottage, with a flexible, informal approach and a chance to visit some of our beehives. Whether there will be many flying bees to see will depend on the weather on the day.
Beginning at 10.30am, we plan to finish mid-afternoon, with a break around midday for a light lunch (included in the price). Any profits will go towards honeybee welfare.
Is This For Me?
If you have an interest in bees, this will prove interesting. There are no preconditions or requirements. You may have no knowledge of, or experience with bees, or plenty.
This isn't a training course for beekeepers (we can run one for you: please get in touch to arrange details), but some previous participants have gone on to keep bees themselves.
Our approach is very different to that promoted by the British Beekeepers Association and their beekeepers training schemes. In some respects our views and attitudes are the opposite of theirs.
Amongst other topics, in this workshop we cover:
- the history of bees and beekeeping
- the life cycle of honey bees
- bees' role in the world
- honey bee products
- environmental and other pressures on bees
- how we can help bees
Although the bees may not be flying out for forage, depending on the weather, there will be opportunity to see them in a hive (through a window) and you will be able to handle some wax comb that they have made.
Lip Balm and Soap
There can be an opportunity to make some lip balm using beeswax (from our hives), organic shea butter and organic coconut oil. And perhaps some of our Honey Soap
Flowers
Participants will probably be able to take home seeds or plants to grow to help bees. The details are yet to be finalised!
Seed Bombs
We may make seed bombs. A small ball of clay and compost, containing wild flower seeds, providing a starter environment for the flowers to establish themselves. In the spring, drop these in appropriate places where they can grow.
Wild flowers are important for wildlife. With a bit of luck, the seeds in the seedbombs will grow into plants and set seed themselves, starting generations of bee-friendly plants.
Best not to lob seed bombs into your neighbour's garden; they may not be pleased. A patch of ground in your own garden, a pot, or a little corner you know of where you can watch them grow would be best.
You can find instructions on how to make your own seed balls on the internet or buy them from www.seedball.co.uk
Honey
We have a little honey to taste. We sometimes collect a little honey in spring when the bees have some to spare, giving you a chance to taste real honey from bees never fed on sugar – which you can't get anywhere else!