Bringing Back the Bees

Slow Food Hunter Valley, with the knowledge and dedication of Crissy and Mick Rowcliff, from Carinya Downs,  have gifted new and returning beekeepers with hives and training to get into their own honey production. The Varroa mite was first detected in the Hunter and all hives within affected zones were destroyed. The impact on pollination was immediate and is enduring.

Through this project we initially encouraged everyone to plant pollinator food plants to support local native pollinator species and gave away hundreds of packs of pollinator seed, available through local shops and businesses. They were planted in local gardens and farms, but our native pollinators are not effective at pollinating many of the cucurbit family which includes pumpkins and zucchini. We then taught growers how to hand pollinate these crops.

After a trial and once honey bees were allowed back in the lower Hunter we began supporting our local farmers and backyard gardeners to have a hive and learn how to manage it. Since November 2023 Crissy and Mick have trained 19 beekeepers and placed 30 hives into the community. They have provided countless hours of onsite mentoring and hive construction and have organised the beekeepers to attend events where they share their experience and enthusiasm for the art of beekeeping.