![]() ![]() Without a strong reservoir of wild unmanaged colonies it is possible that the UK will follow the path of several European countries, where the wild unmanaged colonies have disappeared and the remaining managed colonies need constant human intervention and treatment to survive. These typically focus on narrow goals such as honey production, docility and suppression of natural reproduction. Without the testing environment of nature, which has shaped and protected bees for millions of years, bees are at the peril of the short-sighted manipulations of modern beekeeping. Strong colonies of wild unmanaged bees are vital to bee health. The tree is not harmed in this process (unlike making a box hive!) and will live for many years to come. The tree is over 100 cm in diameter at the base and we estimate it is over 150 years old. The chosen tree (pictured left) is next to a large wild flower meadow. ![]() Pertwood in Wiltshire is a home to people, sheep, cattle, abundant wildlife and is one of the oldest organic farms in the UK. The Trust is delighted to help Pertwood Organic Farm create the first Zeidler tree hive in the UK. ![]() Toxic mono crops are deadly to bees, and many modern forests are too barren and devoid of places to nest or forage to collect. Historically, the Zeidler never introduced a swarm to a hive, instead they would make the hive as attractive as possible for the bees, respecting their natural preference for warm cavities high in trees, away from interference and the cold of the ground.Ī movement to restore the craft of the Zeidler is rapidly taking hold across Europe, but the task of the new Zeidler is to not only entice the bees to the many new tree hive cavities, but to also find habitats where the owners cherish the earth and foster its renewal. Tree beekeeping is an ancient form of beekeeping where Zeidler (Tree Beekeepers) create cavities inside living trees and then manage the hive for hundreds of years, passing it from one generation of Zeidler to the next. ![]()
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