Page 32 - ALG Issue 1 2025

NORTHERN
MY BEEKEEPING
JOURNEY
It all came about because of a Christmas gift from my grandchildren in 2013.They gave me a “The Bee Cause Campaign” pack and I took it from there. Beekeeping was not on my radar prior to that Christmas but once I got involved, I knew I had to take it seriously.
When I started in 2014, I decided that
I should try and set my first hive up in
the allotment I shared with my husband. The site is 11 acres in an urban location
in North East Glasgow.The Springburn Gardens Allotment Association committee were rigorous.They checked that I had done a basic beekeeping course and had personal public liability insurance for my hives and colonies.
Despite being a private site, the committee asked the Glasgow City Council allotment officer to inspect the preparation I had made on our plot before my first colony arrived. Everything passed with flying colours. It is important to give your fellow plotholders the confidence to support you in your beekeeping and taking the above measures was an important step.
Most beekeepers across the UK are hobbyists and I am no exception.To get ongoing support and knowledge, I joined
my local Beekeeping Club, Kelvin Valley Beekeepers.This enabled me to benefit from the wide experience and various approaches of other beekeepers, allowing me to develop my skills in the field. Local associations arrange talks which range from science of beekeeping and relevant legislation through to practical issues like lifting and handling.You may need to lift between 30 to 40 pounds in weight when you remove honey from a hive.
During the last 10 years, I have discovered that beekeeping is very popular across the wider community. I have opened our plot for many open days on the site, delivered workshops for Glasgow Allotment Forum events, and raised awareness of beekeeping with plotholders across the city. I held an open day for my beekeeping club
onsite in 2022 and 25 beekeepers from my association came along, with lunch made from site produce. I’m always happy to pass on information about keeping and the benefits of pollinators for the environment. I have lost count of the number of talks I have given to the Brownies, local school children and in the wider community.
My bees have been popular with most plotholders. I get regular reports of increased yields of fruit and enquiries on how we are doing. My honey is also very popular and has been enjoyed by many of my fellow plotholders over the years. My 10-year beekeeping journey has taught me to never underestimate the impact of a small Christmas gift from young children.
Delia Henry
32 | Issue 1 2025 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener
“You may need to lift between 30 to 40 pounds in weight when you remove honey from a hive”
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