12 minute read
Nature’s Natural Transformers
Bees are some of Mother Nature’s most important pollinators and our relationship with them goes back for thousands of years. Ruth Lawrence has discovered how the High Weald Beekeepers’ Association at the Horsted Green Park Apiary are working hard to maintain thriving colonies and extend this relationship
“How many bee miles do you think go into making a 1lb jar of honey?” asked Dr Peter Coxon who helps look after Horsted Green Park’s ten hives on behalf of the High Wealden Beekeepers’ Association. “A thousand,” I hazarded, wishing I’d done a little more homework before our meeting. “Forty thousand miles!” was the astonishing reply; adding that a large colony flies a daily distance equivalent to the moon and back, in their search for nectar.
Horsted Green Park near Uckfield is Wealden District Council’s latest country park. It’s enjoyed by hundreds of visitors and their dogs each week That 1lb jar of honey has two million flower visits packed inside
Peter Coxon at Horsted Green Park
and the hordes of wild flowers within the meadows provide much of the pollen and nectar that honeybees need to survive. Honeybees use a complex ‘waggle dance’ to relay messages to each other, advising where the best nectar and pollen can be found. Wealden District Council stopped using insecticides and herbicides in its green spaces last year. This is one of the best things we can all do to help honeybees; along with planting suitable flowers and encouraging wildflowers which have evolved alongside the honeybees for millennia.
The High Wealden Beekeepers’ Association is currently searching for a patch of land on which to build a clubhouse, ideally in the Mayfield or Crowborough area. They hope for something that would enable them to expand their work and encourage more people to learn about and take up beekeeping, as well as discovering the myriad of other species that are crucial pollinators. People often fear swarming honeybees, but Peter pointed out how gentle they usually are and that there is no need to be afraid of them. The Association has a membership scheme, and taster days, as well as longer training courses for potential apiarists. They have stalls at local country fairs where the public can ask questions and receive advice.
The life cycle of the honeybee offers some mind-bending statistics. A queen typically lives for three to five years and can produce 2,000 eggs each day, whereas a female worker bee lives for only 40 days in summer, or four months over winter. A worker bee can forage for up to three miles a day, to produce just one quarter of a teaspoon of honey during that short lifetime. Next time you spoon honey into your tea, onto your pancakes, porridge, or toast at breakfast, spare a thought for the enormous effort that went into its collection and creation – that 1lb jar of honey has two million flower visits packed inside. If honeybees were paid the minimum wage for the work they do, each jar of honey would cost a million pounds, a fact that means honey might just be among the best bargains on the planet!
Peter explained how the many different species of bee play an essential role in Earth’s ecology. Bees pollinate seventy of the hundred or so crop species that feed 90% of the global population. Without them, food chains would collapse and put the survival of
Woodland stool making weekend
Create a beautiful piece of furniture to last a lifetime. Learn age-old woodworking techniques in our woodland workshop. Delicious lunches provided.
07970 556006 • www.sussexgreenwoodworking.co.uk
In the heart of Sussex lies an inviting and diverse landscape of untold hidden gems, just waiting to be found! In the heart of Sussex lies an inviting and diverse landscape of untold hidden gems, just waiting to be found!
www.explorewealden.co.uk www.explorewealden.co.uk
Staplecross Garden Centre
Cripps Corner Road, Staplecross, East Sussex TN32 5QR
New owners Mike & Molly look forward to welcoming you
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Off the A21 just past Whatlington & The Royal Oak sign posted ‘Cripps Corner’
01580 830581 07429 848344
EXPLORING THE ELEMENTS EARTH ~ FIRE ~ WATER ~ AIR Over the course of a year, we shall explore the Elements that make up our beautiful planet and expand our EXPLORING THE ELEMENTS EARTH ~ FIRE ~ WATER ~ AIR Over the course of a year, we shall explore the Elements that make up our beautiful planet and expand our EXPLORING THE ELEMENTS EARTH ~ FIRE ~ WATER ~ AIR Over the course of a year, we shall explore the Elements that make up our beautiful understanding of understanding of planet and expand our Nature all around us. Nature all around us. understanding of The workshops are The workshops are Nature all around us. timed to coincide as closely as is practical with the Solstices and Equinoxes that mark the march of the seasons. We start with EARTH on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 at Yew Lodge, a beautiful manor house venue on the Surrey / Sussex borders. timed to coincide as closely as is practical with the Solstices and Equinoxes that mark the march of the seasons. We start with EARTH on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 at Yew Lodge, a beautiful manor house venue on the Surrey / Sussex borders. The workshops are timed to coincide as closely as is practical with the Solstices and Equinoxes that mark the march of the seasons. We start with EARTH on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 at Yew Lodge, a beautiful manor house EXPLORING THE ELEMENTS EARTH ~ FIRE ~ WATER ~ AIR Over the course of a year, we shall explore the Elements that make up our beautiful planet and expand our understanding of Nature all around us. EXPLORING THE ELEMENTS EARTH ~ FIRE ~ WATER ~ AIR Over the course of a year, we shall explore the Elements that make up our beautiful Price is £80 for the day to include refreshments Priceis £80 for the day to include refreshments venue on the Surrey / Sussex borders.The workshops are planet and expand our and a buffet-style lunch. Limited en-suite accommodation is available at Yew Lodge. Confirmed Speakers: Nicola Peel and a buffet-style lunch. Limited en-suite accommodation is available at Yew Lodge. Confirmed Speakers: Nicola Peel Priceis £80 for the day to include refreshments and a buffet-style lunch. Limited en-suite accommodation is available at Yew Lodge. Confirmed Speakers: timed to coincide as closely as is practical with the Solstices and Equinoxes that mark the march of the seasons. understanding of Nature all around us. The workshops are timed to coincide as closely as is practical with the Solstices and www.nicolapeel.com ~ International Environmentalist, Inspired Speaker, Solutionist Nicola will be talking about some of her environmental work with indigenous people around the world and leading a vision quest of personal discovery in the woodlands and gardens. "My job is to inspire others to make a difference in the world... I push us all to question everything and to remember where there is a problem there is always a solution." Richard Creightmore www.landandspirit.net ~ Geomancer, Water Diviner, Feng Shui Master, Teacher Richard will be talking about leys, Earth energies and Earth acupuncture, and giving practical demonstrations of dowsing and Earth acupuncture in the grounds, inviting everyone to improve their dowsing skills. "Living with good clean harmonious energy can make the difference between doing poorly and thriving." Dates for future workshops: Sun 19th Dec 2021 ~ Fire Sun 20th Mar 2022 ~ Water Sun 19th June 2022 ~ Air For more info and to book: Judy Sharp 07597 020512 judy@indigoumbrella.co.uk www.indigoumbrella.co.uk www.nicolapeel.com ~ International Environmentalist, Inspired Speaker, Solutionist Nicola will be talking about some of her environmental work with indigenous people around the world and leading a vision quest of personal discovery in the woodlands and gardens. "My job is to inspire others to make a difference in the world... I push us all to question everything and to remember where there is a problem there is always a solution." Richard Creightmore www.landandspirit.net ~ Geomancer, Water Diviner, Feng Shui Master, Teacher Richard will be talking about leys, Earth energies and Earth acupuncture, and giving practical demonstrations of dowsing and Earth acupuncture in the grounds, inviting everyone to improve their dowsing skills. "Living with good clean harmonious energy can make the difference between doing poorly and thriving." Dates for future workshops: Sun 19th Dec 2021 ~ Fire Sun 20th Mar 2022 ~ Water Sun 19th June 2022 ~ Air For more info and to book: Judy Sharp 07597 020512 judy@indigoumbrella.co.uk www.indigoumbrella.co.uk Nicola Peel www.nicolapeel.com ~ International Environmentalist, Inspired Speaker, Solutionist Nicola will be talking about some of her environmental work with indigenous people around the world and leading a vision quest of personal discovery in the woodlands and gardens. "My job is to inspire others to make a difference in the world... I push us all to question everything and to remember where there is a problem there is always a solution." Richard Creightmore www.landandspirit.net ~ Geomancer, Water Diviner, Feng Shui Master, Teacher Richard will be talking about leys, Earth energies and Earth acupuncture, and giving practical demonstrations of dowsing and Earth acupuncture in the grounds, inviting everyone to improve their dowsing skills. "Living with good clean harmonious energy can make the difference between doing poorly and thriving." Dates for future workshops: Sun 19th Dec 2021 ~ Fire Sun 20th Mar 2022 ~ Water Sun 19th June 2022 ~ Air For more info and to book: Judy Sharp 07597 020512 judy@indigoumbrella.co.uk www.indigoumbrella.co.uk We start with EARTH on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 at Yew Lodge, a beautiful manor house venue on the Surrey / Sussex borders. Priceis £80 for the day to include refreshments and a buffet-style lunch. Limited en-suite accommodation is available at Yew Lodge. Confirmed Speakers: Nicola Peel www.nicolapeel.com ~ International Environmentalist, Inspired Speaker, Solutionist Nicola will be talking about some of her environmental work with indigenous people around the world and leading a vision quest of personal discovery in the woodlands and gardens. "My job is to inspire others to make a difference in the world... I push us all to question everything and to remember where there is a problem there is always a solution." Richard Creightmore www.landandspirit.net ~ Geomancer, Water Diviner, Feng Shui Master, Teacher Richard will be talking about leys, Earth energies and Earth acupuncture, and giving practical demonstrations of dowsing and Earth acupuncture in the grounds, inviting everyone to improve their dowsing skills. "Living with good clean harmonious energy can make the difference between doing poorly and thriving." Dates for future workshops: Sun 19th Dec 2021 ~ Fire Sun 20th Mar 2022 ~ Water Sun 19th June 2022 ~ Air For more info and to book: Equinoxes that mark the march of the seasons. We start with EARTH on SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 at Yew Lodge, a beautiful manor house venue on the Surrey / Sussex borders. Priceis £80 for the day to include refreshments and a buffet-style lunch. Limited en-suite accommodation is available at Yew Lodge. Confirmed Speakers: Nicola Peel www.nicolapeel.com ~ International Environmentalist, Inspired Speaker, Solutionist Nicola will be talking about some of her environmental work with indigenous people around the world and leading a vision quest of personal discovery in the woodlands and gardens. "My job is to inspire others to make a difference in the world... I push us all to question everything and to remember where there is a problem there is always a solution." Richard Creightmore www.landandspirit.net ~ Geomancer, Water Diviner, Feng Shui Master, Teacher Richard will be talking about leys, Earth energies and Earth acupuncture, and giving practical demonstrations of dowsing and Earth acupuncture in the grounds, inviting everyone to improve their dowsing skills. "Living with good clean harmonious energy can make the difference between doing poorly and thriving." Dates for future workshops: Sun 19th Dec 2021 ~ Fire Sun 20th Mar 2022 ~ Water Sun 19th June 2022 ~ Air For more info and to book: Indigo Umbrella brings together people of all ages who share an interest across the spectrum of Science, Spirituality and Sustainability, via the rabbit hole of Conspiracy. We hold regular meet-ups in person and via Zoom, supported by a regular programme of talks, workshops and outings, and a lively monthly newsletter.
Judy Sharp 07597 020512Judy Sharp 07597 020512 judy@indigoumbrella.co.ukjudy@indigoumbrella.co.uk www.indigoumbrella.co.ukwww.indigoumbrella.co.uk
Buttercups at Horsted Green Park
our own species in jeopardy. Nectar is the carbohydrate bees use for energy; pollen is their source of protein and essential for raising young on the scale needed by a hive. The Horsted Green Park honeybees inspired the Wealden Cabinet member responsible for climate change, Councillor Roy Galley to comment, “it is important we all help provide the conditions in which they can thrive and help keep our countryside green and fertile.”
Membership of the High Weald Beekeepers’ Association includes membership of British Beekeepers’ Association, monthly news and ‘Bee Banter’, an informative social event, in person or online where members can share advice, anecdotes and get support from people who have been keeping bees for years.
Next time you see a bee, note its appearance, for it will be one of 250 UK species, of which honeybees comprise only seven. Each and every bee has a role to play in the vital pollination of the food we need to survive. We are truly dependent on these tiny creatures that help the natural world function and should do our best to pay attention to their needs and play a part in protecting them for future generations. l www.hwbka.org.uk
Unretire at Gradwell Park
Gradwell Park is a brand new community with stylish apartments and cottages to buy or rent; but it’s not really about the bricks and mortar. It’s about the beautiful grounds, the wellness team, the art and craft activities, the nature trail… it’s a place to live to the full!
If this sounds like the place for you, or a loved one, why not book your place at our open day on Thursday 12th August or arrange a personal tour with our team.
Gradwellpark.co.uk 01273 916 499
Gradwell End, Off Mill Lane, South Chailey, East Sussex, BN8 4PX
*Places on our Open Day must be booked in advance.
