COUNTRY PASSION
Julie Macken lives on a seven-acre smallholding in rural Oxfordshire with her family. She finds keeping bees deepens her connection to nature and the seasons
Julie Macken shares her love of beekeeping with us
When my husband Ross and I first moved to West Oxfordshire, we had the delight of dragging two bored children around various houses to find somewhere to live. It was in one of these houses that my daughter Neve, who was nine at the time, spotted a large stack of glass jars. The owner explained that she was a beekeeper and the jars were for storing honey. Neve was fascinated. ‘I would like a beehive from
Grandad for my birthday,’ she said. He duly obliged, and from this one hive, we’ve developed a thriving apiary and become part of the most wonderful beekeeping community.
I’ve found beekeeping really helps to mark the seasons. Bees don’t hibernate as such, even in winter they can be seen foraging on late-blooming aconites. When our wildflower meadow starts to bloom in spring, hundreds will gather around the clovers and yellow rattles. They slow down a little in autumn, but can still be seen buzzing about the ivy in our back garden.
One thing to remember is that bees are wild creatures and yes, they can sting! The equipment is heavy and you can get really hot and bothered on a sunny day. But for me, this is a small price to pay compared to the sense of achievement I gain from keeping my bees healthy and happy. It’s so worthwhile, with their numbers on the decline, I feel like I’m giving them a much-needed helping hand.
After a few years of mastering the art of beekeeping, Neve and I began to experiment with beeswax, making all-natural salves, soaps and balms. We soon realised that the products were pretty good, and with my background in brand management, we decided to see if we could make a living from our hobby and Neve’s Bees was born! Customers are often surprised when they discover Neve and I are the beekeepers. I like the idea that we’re challenging the stereotype, and I hope we inspire others, too.
I’m often asked how much time and effort is required to keep bees. Actually, on a weekly basis, it’s not a lot. However, it is a long-term commitment and you have to be dedicated. I would advise going to a local ‘taster day’, by The British Beekeeping Association (bbka.org. uk). It’s a great way to get some training and learn from established beekeepers – when faced with a real hive of up to 80,000 buzzing bees, you’ll soon know if it’s something you want to commit to!
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Follow Julie on Instagram @nevesbees and stock up on her natural beeswax beauty buys at nevesbees.co.uk – 5p from each sale is donated to The Wildlife Trust.