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There is nothing new about bee-keeping, it is a craft that has been practiced for many centuries and in all corners of the world. When people think of bees they naturally think of honey – sweet, sticky and delicious on toast, but, turning nectar from plants into one of our favourite foods is only one of many benefits which come from our association with bees. Many of the food crops we produce depend on bees to pollinate the flowers to ensure a good crop of fruit or vegetables and it has been estimated that today, the pollination of crops by bees is worth in excess of £100 million to agriculture. Without the tireless efforts of bees, we would need to think very differently about so many of the foods we take for granted. However, bees do much, much more. Pollen collected from plants as food for young developing bees, is used by us both as a food and also for its health giving properties. Bees also collect a sticky plant residue called propolis which the bees use as, amongst other things, a draught excluder in the hive. Propolis however is increasingly being researched for its medicinal properties. Finally wax, produced by the bees by digesting honey, provides us with candles, traditional wood polish, hand creams and even more potential health benefits. There are so many fascinating aspects to bees and, not surprisingly, bee-keeping is going through something of a revival in many parts of the country as more and more people strive to find ways of reconnecting with their environment, and giving themselves on opportunity to do their own, small scale self sufficiency. If you would like to know more about bees and bee-keeping and would like to try your hand, why not contact the Ryedale Bee-Keepers Association, your local bee group. If there is sufficient interest locally, it is hoped to set up a beginners course in bee-keeping in the coming months. Please contact:
John Leckonby. |