A Suffolk charity is buzzing after receiving a £20,000 cash boost to help people from all walks of life learn the art of beekeeping.
ActivLives will launch a new Bee Amazed project from its People’s Community Garden in Ipswich in the New Year thanks to a grant from the Postcode Local Trust.
The money will enable the charity to run a beekeeping course, and to also lead an educational visit to the BuzzWorks Bee Discovery Centre in Hertfordshire.
Organisations that support people with needs will have the chance to book a tour of the ActivLives community apiary, while schools are encouraged to take pupils.
As part of the project, the charity is encouraging new volunteers to help it develop an outdoor classroom and wildflower meadow, as well as a Bee Amazed learning hive.
Susannah Robirosa, who is development manager for the ActivGardens arm of the charity, said: “We would like to thank players of the People’s Postcode Lottery for helping us to help bees – vital for a healthy environment and the maintenance of our own food chain – as well as provide opportunities for local people to get involved.”
ActivGardens project co-ordinator Danny Thorrington has become a beekeeper as part of his role, and he has spoken of the joy this has brought him.
“To say that I have been totally inspired is an understatement,” Mr Thorrington said.
“The fascination and feeling of responsibility towards our colonies is phenomenal and they have become a real part of my world.
“I feel very privileged to be working alongside our bees and even more so that I am able to share our wonderful apiary with people from all walks of life from our local community and witness the benefits that it brings.”
Mr Thorrington has facilitated around 400 visits to the apiary this year, including from schools, colleges, prisoners, community groups and businesses.
The Postcode Local Trust funds important outdoor projects in communities, using money raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
To book a place on a beekeeping course, kicking off in January, or to join the visit to the Bee Discovery Centre on February 22, call ActivLives on 01473 345 350, or contact Mr Thorrington on 07532 794173 or danny@activlives.org.uk
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