and help me,” she explains.
Beekeeping has gone viral – but how easy is it? By Imy Brighty-Pottst, PA With urbanites setting up hives on their balconies, honey being made up and down the country and a whopping 1.9 billion TikTok views for #beekeeping, this summer might just be the busiest time for starting a buzzy new hobby. “Urban beekeeping offers people a rewarding chance to connect with nature, and contribute to conserving our pollinator pals in urban settings,” says Amanda John, a professional beekeeper who works closely with Rowse Honey. “This form of beekeeping has become increasingly popular, as the importance of protecting our bees becomes more prevalent.”
But, if you don’t have a garden, Ingham says you can put them on roofs and balconies, as long as you seek the right permissions and tell your neighbours.
Get kitted out
Many may be put off by the cost and fear of getting stung.
“People generally have a fear of bees, I did when I started,” says Ingham. “Looking at frames of thousands of bees was a bit frightening, but it’s something you get used to, and it becomes so inspirational and enjoyable. “You need a proper bee suit – full length with gloves and protective footwear, even wellies,” she continues.“It can be expensive, depending on what lengths you go to and the equipment you acquire. If you join an association, you can find stuff relatively cheaply – and it doesn’t have to be new.
“If you were to shop online from new, it would cost about £500. More carefully, it could cost £250.”
But, how do you get started?
Find a place to put them
But, what about the actual hives?
Retiree Caroline Ingham, 61, from Holmfirth,Yorkshire, has been beekeeping for five years.
“Basic equipment would be a hive, and here in the UK, we tend to go for a national type, with frames and a foundation, with a small number of tools for lifting the frames,” Ingham explains.
“I used to be a volunteer at our local high school on gardening projects. I was offered a short course and we got bees in the school, but it didn’t work out, so I acquired a beehive.They are in my garden and three other ladies come
Associations may be able to help you source items.
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