I am really worried about what is happening to our British bees. Without them I don’t know how we can survive.
A romantic apple-blossom orchard with hives that I painted years ago
In homage to the bee I attach a few of my artworks and photos taken at Hidcote last year on a trip with my friend Anne.
The familiar and lovely site of a rustic wooden hive at Hidcote
I think there is a general love of the beehive shape as it seems to evoke a romantic image of rural British life. A sense of a slower pace of living and a deeper connection with nature.
A little watercolour bee - I am not sure if it is a honey-bee though
Skeps made from straw or wicker were later replaced by ones made from wood and they all have their own particular charm to me.
Which do you prefer?
Increasingly I see many bee-keeping organisations encouraging people to keep their own bees. There is a sense of urgency about this as so many factors are affecting their habitat. If I were able to keep them I would but I don’t think my tiny back yard of my terraced house would be a good location.
Here is a link to the British Beekeepers Association if you are feeling brave and want to have your own hive - good luck!
