The Weekend Beekeeper
Beekeeping is an immensely satisfying and rewarding hobby—one that connects you to nature in a way few other pastimes can. But as any Weekend Beekeeper soon learns, bees are not pets. They are, fundamentally, wild animals. They may live in the hive you provide, but they come and go as they please, guided by instinct rather than ownership. Because they produce food, there are certain statutes to follow—similar to keeping farm animals—but for the Weekend Beekeeper, the rewards far outweigh the regulations.
Beekeeping: A Hobby, Not a Business
It’s easy to assume beekeeping will result in an endless supply of honey and potential profits. However, most Weekend Beekeepers do it for the love of the craft, not for financial gain. Honey yields can vary, and looking after the hive takes commitment.
The Time and Effort Involved
While beekeeping isn’t a full-time job, it does require dedication. Feeding during lean months, checking for swarming activity, and performing regular hive inspections all come with the territory. The Weekend Beekeeper quickly learns that a little effort goes a long way in ensuring a thriving hive.
The Reward of Beekeeping
There’s nothing quite like watching your bees zip off on their foraging missions, buzzing with purpose. Seeing them thrive, knowing you’re supporting a vital species, and hearing the gentle hum of a happy hive is what makes the effort worthwhile.
The Joy of the Weekend Beekeeper
For the Weekend Beekeeper, the experience isn’t just about honey—it’s about connection. Connection to nature, to the seasons, and to an ancient practice that has supported life for thousands of years. If you’re willing to put in the time, the rewards are endless.
The Weekend Beekeeper FAQs
Starting a beekeeping hobby can become costly if you purchase brand-new hives, tools, and protective gear. However, many beekeepers reduce expenses by buying second-hand equipment, which remains perfectly functional when properly cleaned and maintained. This approach can significantly lower upfront costs and make beekeeping more accessible to beginners.
The Weekend Beekeeper Wild Comb
Here’s an example of Wild Comb (or free-range comb as it gets called in our house). It’s the normal shape which bees living in the wild would make rather than the uniform, straight lines they conform to when drawing out comb (making the little hexagons) in a hive.
Here, I’d not had any of the trays to add into the hive ready so they just went ahead and made their own. It’s what happens when the Weekend Beekeeper turns into a fortnight beekeeper due to other pressures.
This doesn’t impact the bees in any way, and it’s probably better for them. No doubt the shape is more efficient for climate control – the only reason we have straight lines is it makes it easier to inspect the hive and remove honey – neither of which the bees particularly want you to do.
