Lord Wandsworth College provides home for 35,000 bees
Lord Wandsworth College has welcomed its largest influx of new
additions, in the form of a colony of honeybees.
35,000 of the insects arrived on campus on Monday (4 th November) after months of planning, inspired by Farnham-based charity, Hive Helpers.
“I saw Hive Helpers at a sustainability fair and went on one of their courses,” explained LWC Catering Manager, Iain Hedley who has led the project. “It was a breathtaking moment, being in amongst the bees. There were five hives, with upwards of 200,000 bees but they weren’t flying around us. They were all going about their business, solely focused on getting the job done. I think if I had been there and not come away inspired to kick on and do something, then I’d have missed the point altogether.”
A secluded hazel copse within the College’s 1,200-acre campus has been cleared for the colony. Selected for its shelter and proximity to food stores, it’s hoped the copse could see the number of bees double by the end of next summer.
The bees will pollinate the surrounding farmland, boost the local ecosystem and offer other opportunities for the school community. “There’s huge potential for student engagement,” explained Mr Hedley. “Some can use beekeeping as a DofE skill. It’s also great for wellbeing. Beekeepers do a lot with veterans because it’s such a rewarding activity from a mindfulness perspective.”
LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams added, “Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem and we welcome all 35,000 of them to their new home. At LWC, we are immersed in our landscape and we constantly strive to enhance, diversify, nurture and cherish it. With a staggering 97% of UK wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, this represents a massive reduction of an important food source. We have taken a stand. These invaluable meadows have been re-sown, re-distributed and are ready.”
Erica Evans, Founder of Hive Helpers also reflected, “I’m really heartened that LWC wants to pursue sustainable, fair and low-intervention beekeeping. Having insects onsite which LWC is personally responsible for, will allow the team and students to consider how the farmland around the hive is managed and will increase the likelihood of them making decisions which benefit pollinators.”
November 2024