Much like us bees are social beings. Society matters; we thrive on being part a community. The act of beekeeping may be solitary, but the art of beekeeping is communal and is improved with interaction. There aren’t many hobbies that can reap the rewards of beekeeping. Buckets of honey may seem the obvious one but increased flowers and fruit set in your garden from pollination will surprise you. Might as well have a meaningful hobby rather than collecting corkscrews or rubber ducks. Beeclubs bring together people from all walks of life who might never otherwise cross paths; we’re all about the bees – contentious topics are usually left at the apiary gate. Beekeepers come from many different directions; common interests include gardening, woodworking, environmental care, a love of nature, crafting with beeswax or baking with honey – there is so much to get out of beekeeping. Beekeeping builds life skills that extend beyond the hive - patience, attention to detail, humility, with a love and never-ending wonder of nature. Learning on the job is fine; picking it up as you go, learning from your mistakes is an easy way but often leads to the loss of a hive and bitter disappointment. The easiest way to master a hobby is to learn from a passionate mentor or tutor.
Beekeeping is a simple pleasure, that like many things in life is better appreciated when you have mastered many of its intricacies. Understanding the lifecycle and behaviours of bees will help you to be a better beekeeper. Knowing what can harm bees and how to counter these threats. Appreciating honey and wax with the amazing things that can be created from them.
Beekeeping clubs around the country are now organising their spring classes. I’m fortunate to be teaching at Auckland Beekeepers Club with their Beginners Beekeeping Class (2 days & 2 evenings), and with the more extensive Land Based Training Ltd Apiculture level 3 course that runs throughout the season on two Saturdays a month from August to May. All aspects of beekeeping are covered including equipment, bees, honey and plants.
Ken Brown; Beekeeping Tutor with Land Based Training Ltd. & President of Auckland Beekeepers Clubken@ministryofbees.co.nz
