Ron Hoskins Honey Bee Conservation Group

Hello, My name is Kate, I am a beekeeper and the Secretary to the Ron Hoskins Honey Bee Conservation Group situated at Stanton Park, Swindon.

We are looking to raise money to support the maintenance of the apiary (where the bees hives are) and to support the beekeepers in their endeavours to conserve the honeybee species - Apis Mellifera Mellifera.

You may be aware that sadly, Ron Hoskins, the beekeeping legend passed away last year. He was a truly selfless person that dedicated his life to honeybees and the scientific advancement of the species, working hard to raise disease and varroa mite resistant colonies. Luckily he was able to see the renovation of the site after it was destroyed by vandals during Covid-19. It is his legacy that we are continuing and is dear to our hearts. We are a small group of like-minded individuals who look after the honeybees and maintenance of the apiary. We donate our time and skills to keeping it going, and without the support of kind-hearted people like you, it is challenging to buy what is needed.

The money will be used to buy bulbs, shrubs, flowering herbs, and wild flower seeds to plant in the apiary, and to contribute to the costs of courses so that our beekeepers are kept up-to-date with honeybee husbandry methods.

Would you be able to help?

Plants we are looking to buy:

BULBS:

* Daffodils

* Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)

* Alliums (globemaster)

* Eranthis hyemalis ('Winter Aconite')

* Crocus

* Muscari armeniacum ('Grape Hyacinth')

* Fritillaria meleagris ('Snake’s Head Fritillary')

* Allium 'Mount Everest'

* Camassia

SHRUBS:

* Leptospermum scoparium (this one makes Manuka honey)

* Lavender

* Sweet Box

* Winter-flowering Honeysuckle

* Winter Snow Heather

HERBS

* Rosemary

* Chives

* Mint

* Sage

* Bee Balm

* Chamomile

Bee Keepers Training costs - £1,400

To help ensure effective breeding of our Hygienic Bees, we need to learn about Queen Insemination. We will share our learning journey with you all so you can see the progress we make.

Any money remaining after planting and training, will be invested into our Introduction to Beekeeping Training Course that is open to the general public. The money will be used for printing course materials so that you can take them home and keep! So if you fancy learning about Honeybees or having your own hive, look out for our training dates on Facebook.