Allanian-Funded Beehive creates Buzz at Senior School

The beehive aims to help with environmental conservation via increased pollination of local greenery, as well as support declining bee populations.

It is also hoped that the bees will capture the imaginations of pupils at the Senior School when they return in September. Pupils can study them in lessons, as well as potentially take a role in their welfare in the future via a ‘Bee Club’.

The bees will be cared for by Dame Allan’s Facilities Manager - and now Head Beekeeper - Mr Andrew Moore.

Andrew, who was also responsible for establishing hives in a previous role at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, said:

“I’m passionate about apiculture - or beekeeping! - so it is a pleasure to introduce our new colony of bees to Dame Allan’s. They’re local bees, from Northumberland, and they will hopefully thrive in their new setting. They’re already enjoying the blooming lavender plants on-site, which has been fantastic to see!”

He added: “We’ve ensured that our bees are housed away from the main school field and created a safe and fenced off area for the hive, to ensure the best possible conditions for our bees, pupils, and wider community to coexist."

In a longer term goal, the school hopes to add additional hives, and eventually produce its own honey, with hopeful estimates predicting the first crop of the sweet treat in the next 12 months.

Andrew said: “We’re planning on establishing three new wildflower areas to help the bees feed, alongside our current greenery. So, not only will they help to improve our biodiversity, but they will help bring science and nature to life for our pupils and wider school  community. We’re really looking forward to producing our first batch of Dame Allan’s honey, it will be something really exciting for the pupils to experience.”