Heartbroken by horrific death of a million bees
MARIUSZ ‘COMPLETELY DEVASTATED’ BY VANDALISM ‘NIGHTMARE’
A BEEKEEPER was left “in shock” after finding his hives burned – and a million bees dead.
Mariusz Chudy, a beekeeper for more than 30 years, was heartbroken when he discovered the “terrifying” scene at one of his sites in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe.
The 52-year-old arrived at the site where he has 20 hives at 6pm on Saturday.
He was “hit by a strong smell of petrol” before discovering the appalling scene.
He could not believe his eyes when he saw that three hives were completely destroyed, and three others partially burned.
Petrol was poured all over the field, he claims.
He added: “I am just heartbroken and completely devastated.
“I could not believe my eyes and cannot imagine who would do this.”
Mr Chudy said that one million bees were killed in the carnage.
“This is my life and someone has taken this away from me.
“It is a nightmare, just horrible.” The experienced beekeeper is also worried about the long-term impact that the incident might have on the environment.
He added: “Setting a fire at a farm is very dangerous and could have long-term impacts.
“It is not just about me and the bees, but for other farmers as well.
“The air has now been contaminated and it would be really difficult to go past that.”
Mr Chudy has been the frontman of the family-run business Golden Drops since 1994.
He is a master beekeeper, and built all the hives by himself.
“I am in shock – someone has ruined something so precious.”
Farmer David Rose, owner of the land, contacted Nottinghamshire Police about the incident.
He added: “I am in shock and we are all very concerned about this.
“We were planning to host an open day in September and show people how important bees are.
“I do not think that we will be able to do that anymore, and it is just upsetting.”
Thomas Rawlings from West Bridgford police station confirmed the force was investigating the incident after police were called to reports of the attack around 6pm on Saturday at a site in Kinoulton, Rushcliffe.
He said: “This was a deliberate cruel act which has clearly left the owner devastated.
“This was wanton vandalism, a malicious attack which has resulted in the deaths of all these bees.
“I would urge anyone who has any information about the attack or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area to please come forward and help us with our enquiries. People can ring 101 quoting incident number 515 of August 21, 2021.”