7. May 2026

How I became a beekeeper

From Curiosity to City Hives - How I Became a Beekeeper

Four years ago, I knew very little about beekeeping. Like many people, I was curious about bees, fascinated by the idea of honey production, and aware that pollinators play an important role in the environment. What I didn’t realise at the time was how completely beekeeping would change the way I look at nature, the seasons, and even the city around me.

My journey started through the Manchester & District Beekeepers’ Association (MDBKA). I was fortunate to meet experienced beekeepers who were generous with their time, advice, and patience. Beekeeping has a steep learning curve in the beginning, and having mentors around me made a huge difference. There’s only so much you can learn from books or videos — eventually you have to open a hive, handle bees, and experience it for yourself.

My first colony came from a purchased nucleus colony, or “nuc” as beekeepers call it. Opening that hive for the first time was both exciting and nerve-racking. Thousands of bees moving together with purpose, the smell of wax and honey, the constant hum of activity — it was unlike anything I had experienced before. I quickly realised that beekeeping isn’t really about controlling bees. It’s about understanding them and learning to work alongside them.

What keeps me interested most is the connection with nature. Beekeeping forces you to slow down and pay attention to the environment around you. You start noticing what plants are flowering, how the weather affects behaviour, and how quickly the seasons change. Even after a stressful day, standing near a hive can completely reset your focus.

Over time, one hive became several, and eventually I ended up with multiple apiaries across Greater Manchester — mostly by chance rather than some grand plan. Opportunities appeared, conversations happened, and one location led to another. One of the most unusual developments was becoming involved with a city centre apiary high above Manchester. Most people don’t expect honey bees to thrive in an urban environment, but cities can actually provide excellent forage throughout the year thanks to parks, gardens, balconies, and ornamental planting.

The city apiary has become one of the most rewarding parts of my beekeeping journey. It also surprises people when they discover that bees are living successfully above the streets of Manchester. It’s a reminder that nature still exists alongside modern urban life, often unnoticed.

Alongside managing colonies, I also became involved in swarm collection work. During spring and summer, beekeepers regularly receive calls from people who suddenly discover a large cluster of bees in a garden, tree, or even attached to buildings. Swarm collection can be unpredictable and sometimes challenging, but it’s also an important part of helping both the public and the bees themselves. Every swarm has its own story.

Beekeeping has also given me opportunities to speak with the public at events and educational sessions. One thing I’ve learned is that many people are frightened of bees simply because they don’t understand them. Once people see inside a hive safely, learn how colonies function, and understand the role pollinators play, fear often turns into fascination. Watching children and adults become genuinely interested in bees is one of the best parts of public engagement.

Of course, there’s also the honey. Harvesting honey from your own hives never really loses its appeal. Every jar reflects the landscape around the bees and the changing seasons. Some years are excellent, others less so, but that unpredictability is part of beekeeping too. The bees are always dependent on nature, and beekeepers learn quickly that they have to adapt rather than expect perfect results.

Looking back, what started as curiosity became a major part of my life. Beekeeping has introduced me to new people, new places, and experiences I never expected to have — from collecting swarms to managing hives in the middle of a busy city. More than anything, it has given me a greater appreciation for the natural world that exists around us every day, often hidden in plain sight.