Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival - and as a content creator, author, and now beekeeper, Catherine Carton can attest to, they have other unexpected health benefits too.
As World Bee Day approaches on May 20, Catherine, who is a bestselling author and home and garden content creator who has built an engaged community through her inspiring content on YouTube and Instagram, now proudly admits that beekeeping, which started as a hobby, has become an important part of her life.
Having spent just over a year tending to her own hive and earning her stripes as a beginner beekeeper, Catherine wants to highlight the importance of native Irish honey bees and the role we can all play in their conservation.
Her own passion for bees started with a conversation, she recalls.
'My friend's dad is a beekeeper, and he was telling me all about his hives and where he did his beekeeping course,' Catherine says. 'I was fascinated, I'd never met a beekeeper before, and I'd never considered keeping bees myself until I got chatting to him.
That intrigue led Catherine to enrol in a beginner's beekeeping course with the Fingal Beekeepers' Association in the spring. After six weeks of theory, she visited the association's apiary and got hands-on experience.
'I initially just wanted to learn about bees and the native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, the black bee," she says. 'I didn't know if I'd ever get my own hive, but I knew I could help as a hive assistant.'
Despite initial nerves about handling the bees, Catherine was surprised by how calming she found the experience.
'When I first visited the apiary, I wasn't sure if I'd panic when the hive was opened and the bees were flying around me,' she admits. 'But I found it strangely soothing. You can feel the bees vibrating on the frame, and they make this relaxing humming sound.'
'Last May, she decided to take her own hive, acquiring a small colony (known as a nuc) of native Irish honey bees from a local beekeeper.
'Once they were settled into their new spot, I transferred them to a larger hive,' she explains.
'What I love most about beekeeping is the sense of community it brings. It's a wonderful way to connect with people from all walks of life, share knowledge, and constantly learn something new.'
One of the most pressing concerns for Irish beekeepers today is the serious threat facing the native Irish honey bee. The Apis mellifera mellifera has a unique genetic makeup, distinct to Ireland, yet its survival is at risk due to hybridisation with imported non-native strains. Catherine is now a strong advocate for their conservation, stressing the importance of supporting local beekeepers and responsible hive management.
'Through my beekeeping course and involvement with the association, I learned just how vital it is to protect our native honey bee,' Catherine explains.
'Its DNA is unique to Ireland, and preserving its genetics is crucial for the future of our bee populations. That's why many of us are advocating for a ban on importing non-native honey bees.'
For those interested in beekeeping, Catherine recommends starting with a beginner's course through The Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations and connecting with local beekeepers.
While keeping a hive in a garden is possible, she advises planning for future expansion and ensuring a secure, suitable location. Beyond honey production, beekeeping fosters a deep appreciation for nature and contributes to biodiversity. She also highlights its mental health benefits, describing the experience of working with bees as calming and meditative. As we head into summer, Catherine encourages everyone to be mindful of pollinators by avoiding harmful pesticides and supporting native bee conservation efforts.
For those considering beekeeping, Catherine explains that while it is possible to keep a hive in a garden, it is not always the ideal longterm solution. Space is a key factor as one hive might be manageable, but as the colony grows, there needs to be room to expand.
'It is important to think ahead,' she says. 'You might start with one small hive, but bees multiply, and you need a plan for where they will go next.'
She recommends teaming up with other local beekeepers or reaching out to farmers and landowners who may be open to hosting hives. It is also wise to have a backup plan in case issues arise with the location and the bees need to be moved.
Security is another crucial consideration, as vandalism and theft of hives can be a problem.
'Keeping them in a secure spot away from curious eyes is key,' Catherine advises. 'It is heartbreaking when a hive is disturbed, so it is worth thinking carefully about where you place them.'
Responsible beekeeping requires planning beyond just setting up a hive in the back garden, ensuring the bees are safe and have the best chance to thrive.
The life of a beekeeper is not for the faint hearted, and Catherine stresses that maintaining a hive is a commitment.
'Honey bees need to be checked once a week from late spring to autumn, before they hibernate for winter,' she explains. A hive inspection involves checking for fresh eggs, monitoring for signs of swarming, ensuring there's enough space for the colony to expand, and assessing the bees' food supply and overall health.
Catherine has also had the exciting experience of catching her first swarm, having received a notification from her beekeeping group about a nearby swarm and deciding to take on the challenge.
'A swarm of bees is a large group that has left their hive to start a new colony,' she says. 'It can look intimidating, but swarming is a natural process that happens when a hive becomes overcrowded or the queen is ageing.
'I'd never caught a swarm before, but I had a spare nuc box, so I gave it a go. Another local beekeeper helped me. We had to scoop up the bees and make sure the queen was in the box, she releases a pheromone that lets the other bees know where she is. If she's not inside, they'll fly back out.'
Also - she advises people not to panic and stay calm if they spot a swarm.
'When bees are swarming, they're less likely to sting. If you see one, report it at swarms.ie so a local beekeeper can collect it. Never spray them with water or insecticide, as that can make them aggressive.'
As we enter the warmer months, it's more important than ever to protect our pollinators. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting food production. Honey bees pollinate crops and wild plants, ensuring the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, pesticides, habitat loss, and disease continue to threaten their populations, as Catherine explains.
'Many people don't realise that common insect sprays, like ant and wasp killers, can harm honey bees, as well as solitary and bumblebees,' she warns.
'Being mindful of the chemicals we use in our gardens can make a real difference.'
Beyond the practical side of beekeeping, the hobby also fosters a wonderful sense of community. Catherine is an active member of her local beekeeping association, where she attends monthly workshops and takes part in a hive helper programme. This allows her to work alongside experienced beekeepers, learning advanced techniques like swarm control and queen rearing.
'It's an amazing way to gain hands-on experience and learn from others,' she says. 'Beekeeping brings together people from all walks of life, and it's such a rewarding and supportive community. You meet like-minded people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise.'
She also highlights the mental health benefits of beekeeping.
'It's an outdoor, routine-based hobby that encourages mindfulness and patience. Spending time with the bees is calming and grounding, and it's one of the things I love most about it.'
For more garden and home inspiration and expert advice, visit Catherine's website atdaintydressdiaries.com, follow her on Instagram @daintydressdiaries, and subscribe to her YouTube channel @daintydiaries, where she shares weekly videos on all things home and garden.
