Un-bee-lievable response to the Waterford Beekeepers Beginners' Guide to Beekeeping at Dunhill Ecopark

The East Waterford Beekeepers Association (EWBKA) gave its first ever beginners' guide to beekeeping at Dunhill Ecopark to a captivated audience of over 20 people from across Waterford County. This interactive workshop was designed to provide a basic understanding of what is involved in keeping bees, and their fascinating world. Course participants learned directly from local bee enthusiasts, many of whom inherited their passion and skills for beekeeping from their parents.

The course explored the structure of a bee hive and an overview of the benefits of beekeeping. The life cycle and annual calendar of the honey bee was explained, as well as an outline of the practical issues that need to be considered before acquiring bees.

Mike Hughes, Secretary of EWBKA said, "The East Waterford Beekeepers Association is thrilled at the massive response to the course. We hope to encourage people to learn more about the value of bees and their invaluable contribution to the wider environment."

Beekeeping has always been part of rural life in Ireland and for years bees were kept in butter boxes until the introduction of proper hives with moveable frames. There has been a resurgent interest in beekeeping amongst other traditional skills. Local groups such as Dunhill Ecopark, Grow It Yourself Ireland and Tramore Transition Town are facilitating such interests.

Bees play an essential role in the environment's wellbeing and are the pollinators of most of the foods we consume, such as fruit and vegetables. The EWBKA has installed a bee apiary amongst the integrated constructed wetlands at Dunhill Ecopark in order to have a communal hive for the Association where those interested can learn more about bees and beekeeping. Its installation is very much in keeping with Dunhill Ecopark's wider philosophy of environmental stewardship and in providing opportunities in environmental education for the community.

The East Waterford Beekeepers Association was originally set up in the O'Brien's kitchen in Dunbrattin, Annestown in Co. Waterford in 1957 with 6 members. Then, full membership cost 2 shillings and 6 pence, today there are 24 members and it costs just €30 per annum. The Association is open to people of all ages and all walks of life. If you are interested in learning more about beekeeping or in visiting the apiary itself at Dunhill Ecopark, please contact Mike Hughes on 087 2385606 or by e-mail at waterfordbeesatgmail.com who is more than willing to give help and support.