Welwyn Scouts have started keeping honeybees in a purpose-built apiary in a long-term project to gain an insight into conservation and biology.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Scouts in Welwyn are caring for two honeybee hives.Scouts in Welwyn are caring for two honeybee hives. (Image: Archant)

The Second Welwyn (Oaklands) Scout Group has two hives at its base in Canonsfield Road, both approved by an inspector from the Government’s National Bee Unit.

Scout leader Paul MacDonald said: “It’s important that the young people have hands-on experience of managing the colonies so they can better understand how sophisticated life inside a honey bee hive is. It’s also an opportunity to overcome any fears they might have of such an important insect.

“We hope they will develop a good understanding of the conservation issues, and maybe the Group will even benefit from some honey sales later in the year.”

Group Scout leader Bob Cameron added: “This is another Second Welwyn project that encourages young people to get outside, learn new skills, enjoy the environment, overcome fears, and engage with issues that all of us should be concerned about, which sums ups scouting very nicely.

“Adults in scouting also have new experiences, learn new skills, and gain new qualifications - a good incentive to get involved.”