The Busiest Team Members: Why Bees are the Heart of River Garden
At River Garden, we often talk about our "team." Usually, that brings to mind our hardworking residents, our dedicated staff, our selfless volunteers, and the wonderful people who visit our café and wander our gardens. But there is another group of team members who are just as vital to our community—though they happen to have six legs and wings.
Our bees aren't just a hobby; they are a big player in the River Garden team. Without them, the vibrant colours and flourishing crops you see across the estate simply wouldn’t exist.
A Masterclass in Mentorship: Phil McAnespie
We didn’t embark on this journey alone. We have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of Phil McAnespie, local beekeeper and the past president of the Scottish Beekeepers Association.
Phil is an apiarist with a depth of knowledge that is truly awe-inspiring. With a rare combination of skill and immense patience, he has been instrumental in supporting our bees and, by extension, our people. Under his guidance, we have learned that beekeeping is as much about observation and quiet respect for nature as it is about honey.
Growing the Hive
It has been an exciting year of growth! We started our journey with four hives, but thanks to the health of our colonies and the support of our team, we are doubling our capacity to eight hives this year.
As our hive count grows, so does the “magic” they spread. Every flower, tree, and vegetable patch on this estate is touched by these amazing, busy creatures. Their presence creates a “partnership” with our gardens: they provide the pollination, and in return, we ensure our gardens are a buffet of bee-friendly delights. We are mindful of every seed we sow, intentionally planting flowers and shrubs that encourage and support our buzzing teammates.
Training for the Future
River Garden is a place of transformation, and our bees play a unique role in that. We are now looking to train our residents and volunteers to care for the hives.
Learning to handle bees requires focus, calm, and a deep understanding of how River Garden and the bees work together. This partnership teaches us about the interconnectedness of life—how looking after something small can lead to a massive impact on the world around us.
Bee-yond the Basics: Did You Know?
To celebrate our expanding apiary, here are a few fun facts about our favourite team members:
- The Honey Archive: Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water.
- A Lifetime of Work: A single honeybee will only produce about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. Every drop really does count!
- The Waggle Dance: Bees communicate with each other by “dancing.” Their movements tell other bees exactly where the best flowers are located in relation to the sun.
- Speedy Flyers: A bee’s wings beat approximately 200 times per second, which is what creates their famous “buzz.”
Next time you are sitting in the garden or enjoying a coffee at the Bothy, listen closely. That gentle hum in the air is the sound of our hardest-working team members making sure River Garden stays beautiful for everyone.
