Bees are happy with Welsh habitat

Welsh conservationists have tripled their beehive complex ­– thanks to Gower Honey Co-operative.

Swansea-based A Rocha UK partners St Madoc Centre now have three hives looked after by local beekeepers David and Lis O’Carroll. They are passing on their knowledge to centre staff.

‘The apiary is ideally situated in our wood,’ said Conservation Ranger Sarah Leedham. ‘It’s within easy reach of an abundance of wildflowers – including Bluebell, Red Campion and limestone-loving plants – which thrive here.

‘We hope to develop the apiary with the guidance of the co-operative to enable us to teach schoolchildren about the importance of bees and beekeeping.’

The last two years have generally been a struggle for beekeepers in the UK owing to cold and wet weather in 2011 and bee diseases.

St Madoc Centre’s conservation work is supported by Environment Wales and it is an A Rocha UK Partner In Action.