Learn all about the bees at Buckfast Abbey

The loss of biodiversity caused by monocultures and the widespread use of pesticides is widely acknowledged to be causing honey bee stress and colony losses across the globe. With one of every three bites of food eaten worldwide reported to depend on pollinators, especially bees, for a successful harvest, this has major repercussions in global food supplies. So, it is reassuring to hear of the tremendous efforts being made by Buckfast Abbey’s beekeepers to help buck this trend, through nurturing their own bee populations as well as encouraging more beekeepers-in-the making.

In the careful and expert hands of Clare Densley and Segundo Vacas, Buckfast Abbey’s specialist bee department plays an integral role in educating and advising all who wish to develop their knowledge of these fascinating creatures. The Abbey hosts a community apiary that meets every Wednesday afternoon, and run a varied selection of courses from “beginners” to a more advanced Queen-rearing course throughout the summer months, as well as taster sessions and family group visits. Clare and Segundo (known to the group as Seggy) love nothing more than sharing their expertise and boosting the bee population of Devon and beyond.

Buckfast Abbey has a long history of keeping bees. Resident monk and head beekeeper from 1919 to 1991, Brother Adam, travelled the world to develop the Buckfast BeeTM. During the early part of the twentieth century the so called “Isle of Wight disease” wiped out thousands of colonies across the United Kingdom. It also killed 30 out of 46 of Buckfast Abbey’s colonies. Br Adam set about developing the Buckfast BeeTM; a cross breed which was designed to be more disease resistant, gentler than the indigenous British Black Bee, and a good commercial honey producer.

Clare comments: “Although at the time, Br Adam’s hard work to produce a versatile hybrid bee was and still is widely applauded, Buckfast Abbey is now concerned with a gentler, more “bee friendly” approach which respects the colony needs as well her ability to fulfill ours. We no longer think that controlled cross-breeding is the right way to create a bee that can survive all of the pressures we have inflicted upon them in our modern world.  Instead, we closely monitor our colonies and work with them to make sure they have the best possible opportunity of not only surviving but thriving.”

Clare continues: “in the community apiary we have 10 hives spread around the beautiful mixed woodland site and they are all different: Margaret, Mary Kate, Rosie, Eleanor, Chantal, Amy, Ruth, Sarah, Estelle and Juliette. Each colony has her own name, character and individual management plan and each one is supervised and watched over by the different members of our own colony of enthusiastic and dedicated workers.”

The bee department runs dedicated Beekeeping Courses throughout the summer months covering a balance of theory and practical experience, but the Abbey’s community apiary is also looking for new members. Although it is recommended to have a certain degree of beekeeping knowledge, and if possible having completed one of Buckfast Abbey’s beekeeping courses, Clare would be interested to hear from anyone wishing to learn more.

Beekeeping Taster Day

Another option for beekeepers in the making would be to attend a taster day, which will explain all you need to know about beekeeping as a hobby. This includes everything from when and where to get your bees, the essential equipment needed, time commitment and the safe siting of hives. A more thorough course is required before starting to keep bees. The next taster day takes place between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 16th August (Price: £50).

Home visits

For those who would like to take the next step to owning their own beehive, Buckfast Abbey also offers home visits, where you can learn about beekeeping with one-to-one tuition at your home (£20/hour plus 45p/mile travelling expenses).

So, whatever your level of expertise, if you want to know more about beekeeping, Buckfast Abbey would like to hear from you – contact Clare Densley on cdensley@buckfast.org.uk or call 07944 504283.