Jen first got into keeping bees more than 10 years ago and quickly realised: that real ecology is more complex than we can ever imagine, that everything fits together in remarkable and wonderful ways and that just keeping honeybees in hives is far from the answer. Now she talks to schools and young learners about the other 274 species of bee, about butterflies, flies and wasps, about their relationships with plants and about how we need to protect our environment in a sensitive, meaningful way. She aims to dispel myths and misunderstandings and to help nurture a new generation of active naturalists. As ever, check out our website for pictures: www.livingbeeing.com

Back in April 2021, we spoke to Markku P, an urban beekeeper living and working with bees in Finland. After a bit of a summer break, we can now share this wonderful interview with you. Marrku is passionate about bee genetics, and a particular supporter of the black honeybee (Apis Mellifera Mellifera), believed to be the indigeous bee of Western / Northern Europe. We also hear about some of the challenges posed by some of Winnie the Pooh’s cousins. More information and pictures from Finland can be found on our website at www.livingbeeing.com

Back in July 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, co-host Chris Park shared with us his huge experience in making mead. People have been dabbling with this fascinating brew for millenia. An alcoholic drink made from mixing honey and water (and sometimes herbs or fruit), it has a delicious effect on mind and body. In a mouth-tingling episode, we talk about mead’s rich taste, its powerful medicinal properties, the ancient traditions of making mead and the wide range of herbs that can be added to increase its flavour, opacity and health values. Check out some great pictures and a FREE, easy mead recipe at www.livingbeeing.com.