THERE’S a real buzz at BCoT as the college’s two beehives have settled in well and are already producing honey.

Bees and their plight have been much in the news of late, and there has been a real upsurge in the numbers of people taking up beekeeping, especially in our towns and cities.

BCoT has been keen to be part of this and wants to do its bit to help our little pollinating friends.

“The fates of humans and bees are somewhat entwined so there is an element of self-interest motivating this venture,” said Lauren McCann, one of the beekeeping team.

With five BCoT staff – Lauren McCann, Chris Rippin, Tim Martin, Vanessa Nicholson and Debbie Locatelli – having completed an introduction to beekeeping course with the Basingstoke and District Beekeeping Association (BDBKA) in March, they were excited when the bees arrived in early June and they could start putting their newly-acquired skills into practice in the new rooftop apiary.

Under the guidance of BDBKA secretary Pete Northcote and BCoT lecturer and experienced beekeeper Gerald Hill, the team has been growing in confidence and experience as they conduct the weekly inspections of the two colonies to ensure that the bees are happy, healthy and producing honey.

BCoT plans to supply its fabulous restaurant with the honey harvested, as well as making it available for public purchase in Aspiral, the college shop in Church Street.

But the college is keen to point out that bringing in the bees is more than just about producing honey.

BCoT offers courses in Animal Care and Management, so from September will be incorporating beekeeping into the curriculum and students will have the opportunity to try their hand and get involved.

The college also takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and felt strongly that keeping bees would be a very green thing to do.

The college beekeepers have certainly taken the green, ECOBCoT initiative to heart.

“We’ve endeavoured to keep everything as local as possible,” said Lauren.

“We’ve sourced locally made red cedar hives, for example, and we’ve been liaising with Basingstoke-based Vita-Europe, who are kindly supplying us with complimentary bee health products, including anti-Varroa treatments, to help keep our bees healthy and disease-free.”

The BCoT bee team will be updating their Facebook page, ‘Buzz Bcot’, with their ongoing adventures.

Details of forthcoming courses can be found on the BDBKA website basingstoke-beekeepers.org.uk/home.