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Have you ever considered getting a close look at how busy honey bees actually are? Raising bees is becoming more popular by the day. It’s an interesting hobby that has tons of benefits.

The obvious reason why many people keep bees is for the honey. Local raw honey does more than taste good, it can also keep you healthy: honey is one of the most nutritious foods you can consume. It contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, as well as numerous antioxidants to build healthy enzymes and rifidobacteria to aid with digestion.

On acquiring your first colony of bees, you will see them pollinate the plants and shrubs around your home and your flowers will be happy for it. Urban beehives tend to do better than rural beehives because in rural areas pesticides are used more frequently in commercial farming.

Beekeeping is something that can literally be for anyone, young or old, and is something the whole family can do together. As long as you live in an area with flowering shrubs, trees, or plants then you can raise bees. Without bees, we have no pollination and, in turn, our food supply takes a serious hit.

So if you are looking for a relaxing hobby or would be excited by the prospect of having your own supply of really good honey then beekeeping just might be for you!

If you are interested then register and come along to the series of lectures from 7.30pm–9pm at the Teagasc Offices, Cleeney, Tralee Road, Killarney (details below).

- Thursday, February 22: Irene Power CFL on equipment - year's work including assembling frames

- Thursday, March 1: Aoife Nic Giolla Coda on spring management, queens in hives and nuclei

- Thursday, March 8: Noel Power CFL on controlling bees and working for honey, and stock increase

- Thursday, March 15: Dennis Ryan CFL on summer apiary management, harvesting the honey and treating the bees for varroa

For registration details, email Kerry Beekeepers Association Secretary Ian Flude at id.flude@btinternet.com.

Pic: Eamonn Keogh.