APPETISERS
Honeypot With global bee populations under threat, one hotel in the
audio guide takes guests through different narrative zones in
corner of Southwest England is offering guests the chance
and around the hive, exploring the wider environment and
to see the world through the insects’ eyes. The Newt in
humans’ historic relationship with the insects.
Somerset recently unveiled The Beezantium, a multi-sensory
The bees themselves enter the hives through natural holes
exhibition space that also houses two of the estate’s native
or a series of copper pipes built into the fabric of the building,
bee colonies. Surrounded by a specially-planted woodland
a primarily wooden structure made from unseasoned oak,
apiary, the lakeside building was designed by Invisible Studio
topped by a sloping roof wrapped in copper. Visitors have the
Architects, with interiors completed by the exhibition studio
opportunity to observe the colonies at work, and immerse
Kossmanndejong. Both companies worked closely with The
themselves in the aromas and sounds of the hives, watching
Newt’s Head Beekeeper and global bee consultant, Paula
as the honey is produced in real time.
Carnell, on the project.
In addition to launching the attraction, The Newt, which
The Beezanium’s honeycomb-shaped walls display
takes a cooperative approach to beekeeping that includes
interactive educational content highlighting bees’ contribution
gentle honey harvesting, also offers Bee Safaris. These
to the ecosystem. There are flower pressings showing the
walking tours of the woodland hives provide further insight
types of honey produced from specific plants on the estate,
into the estate’s beekeeping practices, which see the honey
and sensory pods with views over the water. A multilingual
from its chemical-free colonies used across the estate.
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