Natural Beekeeping workshop raises funds for Hope Spring

An unusual and exciting fundraiser was held in aid of Hope Spring, a clean water advocacy charity on Friday the 28th of July, 2023. The event, a natural beekeeping workshop took place at The Hive in Much Birch village, in south Herefordshire. The workshop was the ideas of Worcestershire natural beekeeper Sara Steward It was facilitated by Hope Spring trustee and natural beekeeper Temi Odurinde and Andrew Collinson.

The event saw the six natural beekeepers compare notes and exchange ideas, on various beekeeping topics ranging from topics for complete beginners such as choosing a bee friendly hive to catching your first swarm. The workshop started with Andres Collison, a natural beekeeper with more than two decades of experience discussing “The bein of the hive” a holistic look at the life of a colony of bees. After lunch break, the beekeeper returns to discuss swarm catching, dealing with varroa mite and the best shrubs and trees to plant for bees.

The event raised about £300 for Hope Spring. Speaking about the fundraiser Temi Odurinde said “we had a lovely time at the workshop, every participant had a knowledge of one technique or the other to share. We all went home a better natural beekeeper than we were before the workshop”. Temi added “Hope Spring is grateful for the donation each participant made, the proceeds will go to the new borehole project we are working on in Agege, in Nigeria. I am also pleased to have contributed to the fundraiser in my own little way. “.

Hope Spring raises money to fund their clean water project directly from their supporters, particularly those that support their annual best charity christmas e-cards campaign. The natural beekeeping fundraiser was a one-off, however raising funds with the natural beekeeping community in the future has not been ruled out.

You can find out more information about Hope Spring clean water projects on their website and social media pages. You can also find out more information about natural beekeeping on the website of natural beekeeping trust.