Bee populations are rapidly declining around the world due to pollution, the use of pesticides and habitat loss, among other factors – a fact that saw an Amber by Living Gems couple choose to establish a miniature beehive in their backyard.
Kathy Clarke and Peter O’Sullivan have only been in their beautiful new home within the over-50s lifestyle resort for eight weeks but already their hive of tiny Australian tetragonula carbonaria or sugarbag bees have become a focus in their back garden.
“We are into sustainability and want to do all we can to safeguard the environment for the future. It is the reason we have bees. We don’t do it for the honey they produce, but because they are in such decline and we want to help increase their population,” said Kathy.
The bees are great pollinators, and the couple currently hosts a few hundred of the tiny, sugarbag variety that are stingless and about the size of a fly. They will fly up to 500 metres from their hive to carry out their important work which entails transferring pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts.
Kathy explained that the process helps flowers produce seeds, which grow into new plants.
“Without bees, many plants and fruits would not be able to reproduce. This would have a devastating effect on human food supplies.”
The eco-conscious couple decided to start small when it came to their bees which were given to them by Kathy’s sister who also keeps bees.
“We plan to get another larger hive in which the bees could produce honey,” said Kathy.
The couple has always tried to live sustainably, including on a hobby farm they called home in Tasmania for seven years.
“We had about 20 fruit trees, grew vegetables and tried to be self-sufficient and care for the environment wherever possible,” she said.
Now settled back in their home state of Queensland, the couple’s hive of sugarbag bees brings them much pleasure and are extremely easy to look after.
“You really don’t have to do anything at all. Most days we enjoy sitting out on our alfresco area, sipping on a coffee, and watching them come and go. They are fascinating little creatures and so good for the environment,” said Kathy who encourages others to take steps to help the ecology of the planet.
“If everyone did just a little bit towards sustainability, it would really help a lot.”
Six reasons why bees are so important to the survival of humans
- Bees are the world’s most important pollinators of food crops.
- Bees help to keep ecosystems in balance by pollinating plants.
- Without bees, humans would not have many fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- When bees pollinate plants, they ensure that other animals in the ecosystem have food.
- Bees provide honey.
- Bees are a vital part of the global food chain.
