Buzz about library ‘bee-ing’ more than books!

Pssst, ‘bee’ quiet… The Shuttle is about to let you in on a little secret about the volunteer-run library in Cherry Tree. Quite simply, it’s the bee’s knees!

A modern community hub, it’s a haven of books, a blend of blooms, and even home to its own buzzing bees.

The Community Apiary is supported by a dedicated group of volunteer horticulturalists, beekeepers, and nature lovers who meet on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss all things beekeeping and biodiversity.

They offer basic training in beekeeping and promote pollinator awareness, welcoming anyone with an interest in learning about nature’s tiny workers.

And it’s helping create a real hive of activity at the library, with everything from popular ‘Meet the Bees’ events to candle-making workshops and local honey sales.

It all started on the rooftop of the Tower Block at Blackburn Town Hall, beekeeper Steve Ganner says.

We needed a community initiative that was more accessible, and the idea to move it to Cherry Tree was born!

Fellow beekeeper Graham Brindle adds:

Watching the bees at work is mesmerising – they’re organised, hardworking, and harvesting honey is like collecting liquid gold.

Children and adults alike are drawn to the charm of this unique partnership – just like three-year-old Sam (pictured), who eagerly helps his volunteer beekeeper grandad, Graham.

It’s something that really seems to grab people – they truly get the buzz for it, no matter their age. 

The local Cherry Tree honey, available for £10 per jar, is raw, unfiltered, and infused with unique flavours derived from the local flora.

We’ve had people tell us our honey is the best they’ve ever had,

say the beekeepers, while highlighting the meticulous care required in its production.

Accessibility is at the heart of Cherry Tree Library, with the apiary offering ramp and wheelchair access for all. This inclusive design ensures that everyone in the community can experience the wonder of bees up close.

For more information on supporting bees, learning beekeeping, or volunteering at this dynamic library, visit www.rooftopbees.org.uk or call 01254 587954.

Did You Know?

• Bees communicate through a ‘waggle dance’ to show each other where to find food
• A single bee produces about one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime
• Bees can fly up to 15 miles per hour and travel up to three miles each time they leave the hive to forage
• They navigate using five eyes
• Honey never spoils – archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still edible!
• If using honey in a drink, only add it to warm water – boiling water kills off the beneficial enzymes
• Male bees (drones) are kicked out of the hive at the end of every year
• Honey varies in colour and flavour depending on the flowers pollinated
• Bees are essential pollinators, responsible for roughly one-third of the food we consume