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The bees of Univ

The bee hives at Univ

Univ is delighted to welcome to its main site two hives of honey bees; they join – if hugely outnumber – the numerous Mason bees that can often be seen in the stonework around College.

The idea of introducing these industrious creatures to the grounds was first mooted several years ago and gained impetus last year when a group of undergraduates further lobbied College to consider wider environmental initiatives, including the proactive introduction of bees and other insects. A “bee friendly” garden near Kybald House has been established and, although the hives themselves are located in the Master’s Garden close to the gardeners’ shed, Head Gardener Bruce Taylor stresses, “our bees will still easily find it, they go for the simpler flowers, not the big blousy ones.”

The hives come courtesy of Domestic Bursar Angela Unsworth, who comments on their arrival: “It has often been said that bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Taken to a logical conclusion, that means that one third of our global food supply is pollinated by bees. They are some of the hardest working creatures on the planet and we owe many thanks to this amazing, yet often under-appreciated, insect. We look forward to seeing the work ethic of our students meet the work ethic of our new friends the bees; together we can be unstoppable…”

The Domestic Bursar, along with Bruce Taylor and Assistant Gardener Stuart Fouracre, are enrolled on a course with the Oxfordshire Beekeepers Association and College expresses thanks to them for their continued support and encouragement.

Published: 23 March 2017

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