Get busy and save the bees at new hive-share

Leamington and Warwick beekeepers are hoping the new venture in Kenilworth will help save falling population numbers and increase understanding and respect for the creatures.

And to help get it all started, a taster day will be held in Marton on Saturday May 18 to give a hands on lesson to anyone interested in making the most of the venture.

Michael Townsend, who is behind the plans, said it is all possible thanks to a lottery grant and donated land which will see them create the very first community apiary on land near the University of Warwick .

As well as providing space for anyone unable to keep bees at home, the allotment style scheme will allow brand new keepers to give it a go before committing to their own hive.

“Numbers of honey bees are in rapid decline and changes over the past 18 months are just frightening,” he said.

“This is about doing our bit and the new apiary will offer chance for new keepers to be near a mentor, and for anyone who wants to try it out.

“People have a preconceived idea of bees and we want to change that through increasing support.

“There is a lot more to beekeeping than people think, and it is fascinating what you can learn. It isn’t just about honey, you can really learn an incredible amount about how bees socialise and communicate and we have a whole range of people interested.

“We are doing all we can to let people have a go and see what it is all about and this is just another step on that.”

He said that once land agreements are signed on the handover, the two-acre site will be fit to house anywhere up to 20 hives for the town.

Find out more at the taster day, or visit www.warleambees.com to sign up, join evening classes, or simply meet beekeepers in the town to see how you can get involved.