NF hobby highlight: Beekeeping

 

This topic is not only fun, but brings awareness to the importance of pollinators for our environment ...

Beekeeping! 

The fact that you don't have to have a beehive to help bees in your yard, on your balcony or even at your windowsill. That's because you can start a hive, you can add a bee hotel, or just know the best flowers to bring in bees and other native pollinators to whatever patch of green you keep!

And we have books for any part of that journey you would like to begin!

First off, maybe you would like to know a little about bees or the issues that arise when faced with declining pollinators? Camden Libraries have some introductions for you:

A honeybee heart has five openings

This book by Helen Jukes discusses the problems facing declining pollinator populations in a way that will be relatable to the reader.

Bee: a natural history

This book is more scientific and looks at bee anatomy and behaviour. However, if you love bees, why not learn their history?

Buzz: the nature and necessity of bees

As informative and enchanting as the waggle dance of a honeybee, Buzz shows us why all bees and other pollinators are wonders to celebrate and protect. 

You wouldn't want to live without bees!

This book is tailored for younger audiences that looks at the science, nature and importance of bees.

Then we have some books for the hobbyists who would like to raise bees. You could do this just to help your plants, or you could turn it into business!

A beekeeper's year: setting up and managing backyard hives

A Beekeeper's Year follows the progress of three novice beekeepers with three different types of hive, as they navigate their way through their first year of beekeeping. Whilst this isn't Australian, you can still follow their journey as they set up and manage hives. It is a book that introduces what equipment is required, how to manage hives, and how to keep bees healthy.

If you would like some Aussie-focussed books, check out Complete guide to beekeeping in Australia and the Australian beekeeping manual.

Finally, if you don't have the space for a whole hive; but still want to help pollinators: you can build a bee hotel or plant particular flowers (they love anything purple, like lavender!) to help encourage them into any space you have.

Handmade bird, bee and bat houses and Bee friendly garden are two great resources to have a look at!

Sure it's a lot of books ... but it's a great hobby to have! Have a think about it and start a new project to be ready for Spring!