Bee Hives at Beech Park
My name is Laurence Rigley. I am a member of BPGC. As a ten year old in 1959 growing up on our family farm in Co. Wexford I was introduced to the fascinating hobby of Beekeeping which has been a lifelong interest for me.
It occurred to me in 2020 that a bee hive or two on the golf course would provide valuable assistance to the The Management Committee to create additional Biodiversity opportunities to help nature.
I made a proposal to the Committee pointing out the value and assuring them that Beehives on the course would not present a hazard to members or staff. The Committee were delighted with my proposition and after obtaining permission from Insurers I was invited to proceed with my project.
We now have had two successful years. The hives are placed in an unused part of the Course but very visible as you exit the carpark. To make the bees more visible the Management Committee had a large professionally prepared POLLINATORS sign erected. An added benefit has been the interest shown by many club members and their desire for more information about bees and nature in general. Of course, the jars of honey from the hives, which I provide as souvenirs have been a bonus.
Due to the diversity of nectar providing plants the honey is of a beautiful light multifloral variety. The Course Management committee in 2022 planted seed of NATIVE Wildflowers in a number of areas on the course which, in addition to the established trees and shrubs, provide the bees with a
great variety of nectar and pollen sources. The annual and perennial seeds planted include red clover, Cowslip, Marigold, Poppy, Cornflower, Meadowsweet, Knapweed, Yarrow and St Johnswort. Of course, Bees are our main pollinators. Our small ‘orchard’ of apple trees at the back of the
sixteenth tee box has already benefited as the apples this past couple of seasons have been much larger and perfect in shape.
Beekeeping friends of mine who are members of other Golf Clubs have expressed their intention to speak with Their Club Management Committees with a similar proposition.
It’s a win win for everybody.
