A Few Words
About the Beekeeper
Welcome
A Few Words About marc
Marc is a North West London beekeeper and allotment owner. Beekeeping is in his blood and can be traced back to his great-grandfather, who also kept bees. Marc decided to follow-up on his interest in 2016 after watching beekeeping videos on YouTube. To gain a better understanding, he joined the local beekeepers’ Association who’s members took him under their wing and shared their knowledge and passion. He undertook a course at the association and a few months later Marc had his first hive. Bucking the trend, he opted for a styrofoam hive which he’d read online could be more durable than traditional wooden hives. His first hive was situated within the grounds of Harrow Beekeepers’ Association (HBKA) where Marc continued to be an active member of the association and is now part of the education team and is on the committee.
“Beekeeping is a really important part of my liFe
and really important for the environment around us”
Three months later, Marc added a second hive to his collection and in 2018 applied for an allotment site where a further three hives now stand.
The Beekeeper's
story
“I’ve always been fascinated in biology, nature and horticulture. I probably got this from my Dad who was green fingered and studied herbs and plans.
My first beehive did however raise a few eyebrows at the apiary as it wasn’t the traditional wooden hive so many beekeepers were used to seeing – but it was made out of styrofoam!
You see, in my reading and research I’d read about beekeepers in Eastern Europe who were using these new hives, which resisted better to the elements, but also – more importantly – allowed the bees to keep the hive at a more regular temperature.”
“My colony grew from one, to two, three, four and now five. I decided that five hives was the maximum I can manage around work and home life.
Beekeepers out there will know that this number can fluctuate though – sometimes I need to split a hive to avoid or save a swarm – leaving me with six hives. Sometimes sadly a colony has an illness or leaves the hive – leaving me with four. But five hives allow me to enjoy my hobby and produce a limited amount of honey.
My hives are split across the Harrow Beekeepers’ Association apiary in Hatch End and my allotment in South Harrow / Northolt.”