Are you new to beekeeping? Have you ever wondered what beekeeping is about? Beekeeping is essentially the management and care of bees and beehives. It is very important because it serves as a way to help boost the bee population and is a great hobby that many beekeepers indulge in due to its countless benefits. Being aware of the benefits will make you appreciate the work of beekeepers and hopefully inspire you to start your own journey as a beekeeper.
1. Improve mental wellbeing
Wearing a suit and entering a hive may truly make you feel like all your problems have vanished. You may turn off your thoughts and concentrate on the present moment as you are surrounded by nature, carefully going about the hive with only the soft hum of bees. Taking care of bees and watching their behaviour may be a peaceful and contemplative form of mindfulness that offers a break from everyday anxieties.
Beekeeping also gives people a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of bees and this can encourage a feeling of accomplishment and pride. The process of taking care of bees and the hives, such as putting together frames or cleaning frames, all contributes to some form of responsibility which can drive a feeling of purpose.
2. Boost Plant Health
Experts on bees at the Food Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations estimate that bees are responsible for one third of the world's global food production. Pollen from flowers is dispersed by animals and insects, especially bees, who are well suited to spreading pollen from blooming plants to other plants. Pollination, in particular by bees, is essential to the reproduction of a great majority of plants that provide food for humans including apples, almonds, squash etc.
Most of the countryside would be significantly less fascinating and diverse without bees as they pollinate 80% of the wildflowers in Europe. Without Bees, our ecology would easily collapse along with thousands of other insects that live in the UK. Furthermore, the wild trees and flowers that are pollinated by bees benefit other insects that provide food and shelter to birds, bats, mammals and other organisms etc.
3. Learn something New
The popularity of beekeeping has suddenly increased. This could be attributed to the need to establish a closer relationship with nature, the global crisis of pollinators or the growing trend of homesteading and food production. Beekeeping clubs throughout towns and online are thriving, and classes are filling up fast.
Beekeeping is a hobby that you can get involved in and has many rewards for personal development. It is a good hobby, but it requires a lot of time, effort, commitment, and investment to your ongoing learning. If you are willing to put the time and effort into beekeeping, you will definetly reap the benefits. You can also expand your knowledge by reading books and blogs or taking a beekeeping course to learn about the habits of beekeeping and how to manage a hive.
4. Harvest Bee Products
Many beekeepers make soaps, lotions and beeswax candles using ingredients from their hives. As a beekeeper, you could get involved in harvesting products like honey and wax to use for yourself or to sell.
In addition to adding a delicious flavour, honey made from your local area's flowers may aid in the treatment of seasonal allergies, benefitting both you and anyone lucky enough to try your honey.
5. Help Bee Health
Globally, the bee population has been declining in recent decades as a result of habitat loss, intensive farming methods, altered weather patterns and the overuse of agrochemical pesticides. There are several ways beekeeping can help. You can help combat this issue and help your local bees to thrive by helping to create a safe environment for bees.
Preserving and sustaining healthy, native bee populations is the goal of sustainable beekeeping. By providing bees with a high-quality beehive, you’re giving them a safe and stable home within which they can build a successful colony. This is essential for boosting the bee population and protecting the future of bees.
As well as providing a safe home for bees, beekeepers continuously closely manage the hive to ensure the bees remain in a healthy environment. Beekeepers regularly check their hives for symptoms of diseases like American foulbrood and pests like Varroa mites. Beekeepers can save bee colonies from being completely destroyed by treating and diagnosing these problems.
Another way to help bee health is through hive hygiene. Beekeepers can help prevent the spread of diseases by keeping their hives clean. This entails clearing debris, getting rid of dead bees, and making sure there is enough ventilation. These are all ways that you can contribute to a safer environment for bees to thrive in.
6. Join the community
Beekeeping can be a solo activity, but there are also positive social aspects of beekeeping, such as joining a local beekeeping group. Here people can interact socially and make friends with people who share the same interests.
Joining a local group for beekeeping will give you the opportunity to speak with experienced beekeepers who will be able to share their knowledge, experience and practical tips with you. Not only will these conversations about bee related topics and the exchange of experiences with other beekeepers help develop your beekeeping knowledge, it’ll also help create a sense of community and belonging.
Most beekeeping groups offer workshops on topics such as hive inspections where you can get hands-on experience in handling bees and managing hives. In addition to offering friendship, support and guidance, this network may present chances for bee sales or the sharing of hive tools.
Summary
Ready to start your beekeeping journey today? If you do want to start your journey in beekeeping you can check out our blogs for more additional information. Get started with a Hiveology hive and bee suit.