2025: From Pipedream to Reality?

2025: The Year of the Bee School Dream

As we step into 2025, I have found myself with a niggling idea in my head that I can't shake off.  It has me buzzing with excitement and determination, and I know all too well, that if I get an idea; and especially if it is a particularly 'sticky idea', I have to focus on it! 

Sometimes I get ideas, like wanting a puppy for Christmas, but usually, the idea disappears just as quickly as it arrives (that particular thought didn't last long at all!) 

But, given this little seed of an idea has been in the back of my mind for the last six months, it's safe to say it is firmly stuck, and it is here to stay!

So this year, I’ve decided to focus on turning that sticky little seed, into a reality: creating my very own “Bee School” for children. 

It’s a vision that’s been humming in the back of my mind since my visit to British Beekeeping Association (BBKA) HQ last May, I attended as a volunteer for one of their School Visits. I requested to be a Volunteer, to help gain advice, and inspiration, and hopefully convince myself to overcome my fear of presenting.  All because I'd been asked to give a talk 'All About the Bees' at my children's school.

For those that don't know me, the thought of standing up at the front of a class (or any crowd!), doing any type of public speaking/presenting, and having all eyes on me, is my worst nightmare.  However, having celebrated a BIG birthday last year, I set myself a challenge of 'saying yes' to anything that pushes me out of my comfort zone.  And that is exactly what I did! I've now done numerous talks, and workshops, to various schools and community groups, and it's safe to say, I got over myself!  I even did a whole school assembly with over 400+ children, and staff!

So now feels like the perfect time for my next challenge and to hopefully bring it to life. I'd love to take you on this journey and share why this project means so much to me.

The Inspiration Behind the 'Bee School'

Beekeeping has been a part of my life since 2019, and it is safe to say that what started as a hobby, has turned into a huge passion.  It’s not just about the honey or the hive inspections; it’s about connection—to nature, to community, and the incredible world of bees. Since starting to share my passion in person and on my social media, I’ve seen first hand how curiosity about bees can spark a deeper appreciation for these tiny little insects and more importantly our environment around us.

The idea of a Bee School grew from my visit to BBKA HQ.  To be able to recreate, a place where children, and their grown-ups, can come to learn about bees, their vital role as pollinators in our ecosystems, and how we can support them. It would be more than a series of classes; it would be a hub of knowledge, a space to cultivate a love for beekeeping, and nature, a community, that grows plants for pollinators, habitats for wildlife, and food to enjoy.  With a forest school style ethos and a love and appreciation for spending time outdoors. 

What the Bee School Could Look Like

My dream is to create a flexible learning environment that caters for all. Here are just a few ideas I’m exploring:

• Hands-On Workshops: Practical sessions including that first glimpse inside the hive, life cycles, pollination, perhaps moving onto training budding beekeepers to obtain their Junior Beekeeping Certificates.  We can cover hive management, honey extraction, and dealing with all the challenges that bees face, like pests and diseases and climate change.
• Educational Talks: Guest speakers sharing their knowledge on everything bees, wildlife, growing your own food and bee-friendly gardening.
• School Programs: Interactive experiences tailored for children to spark an early interest in bees and environmental stewardship.
• Home Education Sessions: Because we know not everyone's learning journey is the same, Bee School would be there for everyone.
• Virtual Learning: Online courses or resources for those who can’t attend in person, making the Bee School accessible to a wider audience.
• Reconnecting with Nature: Creating a space to enjoy the great outdoors, to feel welcome and connected. 

Why Now?

2025 feels like the perfect year to turn this dream into reality. Climate change and habitat loss are placing increasing pressure on pollinators, and there’s a growing awareness of the need to act. I believe the Bee School could play a small but significant role in equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to make a difference. It’s also a way for me to give back, and be part of an amazing community.

Taking the First Steps

Of course, turning a pipedream into reality is no small task. I’ll need to map out a clear plan, secure resources, and gather support. But every big dream starts with a single step, and I’m ready to take it. Over the coming months, I hope to document my journey —the highs, the lows, the challenges, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something new or have a passion project you’ve been putting off, I hope I can also inspire you to take the leap! And if you’re as excited about the Bee School as I am, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s ideas, encouragement, or just sharing your thoughts, your support would mean the world.

Here’s to 2025—the year of big dreams, small steps, and, hopefully, a buzzing Bee School!