Big buzz for small beekeepers

YOUNG beekeepers now have a purpose-built shed where they can learn year-round, after the opening of the Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers’ new Bee Hub at Richmond last month.

The only youth-focussed beekeeping organisation in Australia, Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers has been teaching local children about the importance of bees to our environment since 2017.

Children learn all about bees, and are introduced to the practical skills needed to become a beekeeper.

The work of the group, which has been featured on the ABC’s ‘Landline’ and ‘BTN’, was recognised with the Fonterra Australia Agriculture Award at the recent Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards.

Young beekeepers, their families, sponsors, stakeholders and dignitaries attended the grand opening of the new shed on 19 November.

“The shed will provide a space for more children to be involved in the fascinating world of bees,” Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers president Anita Long said.

“We’re so excited to finally be up and running in our new shed; built with the support of a generous donor along with a successful grant application.

“The children regularly visit our hives for maintenance, jar and sell their honey and make and sell wax wraps and lip balms, head out on excursion to some of Tasmania’s largest pollination operations and the leatherwood forests, and many other fun activities.”

New members aged 7-17 are always welcome. Phone 0417 032 156 to get involved.