Projekt All about Bees 1

A project week in Kiel is associated with long days and short nights. Plenty of time to talk about beekeeping and bee protection in Germany and to enjoy the (not always) beautiful weather on the Baltic Sea.

The first item on the program was a visit to the Immenstolz apiary. The weather was a bit rainy that day, so unfortunately we weren't able to visit the bee colonies at work. Nevertheless, we were able to learn a lot of interesting facts about Philipp Sosnowski's work with bees. In the well-equipped and organized family business, Rodney and Jonathan got a good insight into the working methods of a German apiary. The visit was rounded off with a honey and mead tasting.

The second project day focused on the Kiel Action Plan for Bee Protection. The aim is to counteract the worrying decline in wild and honey bees. In cooperation with the Kiel Parks Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, native grasses and herbs were planted throughout the city. The importance and maintenance of these natural areas was explained to us during a site visit with Carina Ruschenki (Parks Department).

Wednesday was all about “Natural beekeeping” at the “Kollhorst” nature experience center. During the all-day workshop, we talked about the differences to conventional beekeeping, discussed the bees' way of life, talked about bee products and taught practical work on the beehive. Last but not least, we made various ointments and creams from bee products together. An all-round eventful day in very beautiful surroundings.

Thursday was more about the technical side of things. We took a leisurely bus and train ride to Wittmold to visit Holger Assenheimer's Bienenland. At this well-stocked beekeeper's outfitter, we were able to take our time to discover lots of good quality products that are also needed in Tanzania. Mr. Assenheimer was available to answer all our questions in his typically Nordic, calm manner. Of course we did some shopping at the end.

As fear of bees is widespread in Tanzania, the installation of beehives in inhabited areas is not welcomed. As an association, we try to alleviate this fear through environmental education.

A good example of how beekeeping works well in public spaces is the Old Kiel Urn Cemetery. Here we met with the beekeeper in charge, who told us all about his work with the bees in the cemetery. It was important to us that visitors to the cemetery very much welcome beekeeping on the grounds, as the desire for a garden design that is close to nature is widespread. And, of course, the visitors are also happy about the good honey that can be purchased in the office.

During the project week, there was also enough time to meet up with other club members, make new friends and enjoy the long days in Kiel.