Busy Bees and Big Plans

Well, January certainly didn’t buzz by quietly!  I've never known a January pass by so quickly, it was over in the blink of an eye! If the start of 2025 is anything to go by, this year is shaping up to be a hive of activity (pun absolutely intended). From school visits to business planning, networking, and even a little beekeeping in the mix, it’s been a whirlwind start to 2025.

Kicking Off the Year with 400+ Curious Minds

What better way to start the year than with a school visit to the largest primary-only academy in the country? Over 400 children got to experience the wonderful world of bees, with plenty of excitement and endless questions!

Even better, I’ve got another school visit booked for later in the spring and have had five more enquiries from schools eager to bring the magic of bees into their classrooms. The demand for bee education is growing, and I’m absolutely here for it.

Building the Buzz for Bee School

The vision for Bee School is gaining momentum! I visited two potential sites, one absolutely beautiful but logistics didn't match, and the second with huge potential!  I'm still on the lookout though, so if you know of anywhere you think might be suitable - let me know.  Alongside that, I’ve been deep in the world of emails, funding research, and resource development, so lots of work going on in the background, but lots more to do.

I've got some summer drop-in workshops too that are taking shape, and I’m working on making these sessions fun, engaging, and accessible as possible. Watch this space!

Business Admin, Networking & Exciting Collaborations

January also meant getting down to the (slightly less glamorous but very necessary) admin side of things. Emails have been flying out faster than a foraging bee on a sunny day.  I've been rallying support for Bee School, registering for markets, and even managed to make it to one of Stafford Bee Group's winter lectures and catch up with lots of other lovely local beekeepers. 

I was very excited to have connected with two award-winning local retailers about possible collaborations later this year. There has also been an unexpected but intriguing enquiry from a university student studying film production—so who knows, maybe 2025 is the year I make my beekeeping big-screen debut!

Beekeeping, Winter Markets & A Little Self-Development

Even though the bees are mostly tucked away for winter, I’ve still been keeping an eye on the hives, checking stores, and feeding fondant to make sure they get through the colder months.

Looking ahead, I’ve booked onto the BBKA Spring Convention in April at Harper Adams University, and I will be heading to the Beekeeping Show in Telford in February too.  Both great opportunities to learn, network, and no doubt add a few more things to the ever-growing wish list of beekeeping equipment!

Plus, with an eye on the future, I’ve already started registering interest for autumn and winter markets in 2025; because let’s be honest, the best way to survive the January blues is to start planning festive events!

Sweet Additions & Expanding My Offerings

This month also saw some exciting product developments, including the addition of new 8oz jars to the website. And, just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’ve been working on a special range, because nothing says “I love you” like a jar of golden, delicious honey. Did you know that Saint Valentine is also the patron saint of love, romance, and beekeepers?

On the education front, I’m expanding my reach by developing Home Education Sessions and have started reaching out to the Home Ed community. It’s all about making bee education as accessible as possible, whether in schools, homes, or community spaces.  If you are a Home Educator and would like to know more, you can be register your interest to be the first to find out when I launch my sessions.

Looking Ahead

January has been a buzzing success, and February looks to be just as busy. With school talks, business planning, and events on the horizon, it’s all go, but that’s just how I like it.

Here’s to another month of spreading the buzz about bees, growing my Bee School project, and keeping the enthusiasm alive. And who knows—maybe I’ll even find a moment to put my feet up (briefly) with a nice cup of tea and some honey on toast.

Until next time - keep buzzing! 🐝