The training apiary will help project members to help conserve honey bees by breeding from existing stocks and train local people to keep their own hives. Ultimately, more beekeepers in North Northumberland will help revitalize and protect the local bee population, protect the local environment and halt the decline in wild bee populations.

Extra help will come from expert beekeepers at Northumberland Wildlife Trust who will train volunteers to help with the honeybee and bumble bee survey at 10 wildlife sites. Children too will be able get a close-up view of bees using a demonstration hive and take part in hands-on activities like beeswax candle making. They’ll also be educated in easy ways to distinguish between honeybees and wasps, which will help reduce their fears of stings.

The project will run from April 2003 until October 2006, allowing three summers for the Wildlife Trust Survey.