Bee happy: Loch Duart gets a buzz from hive plan
Sutherland and Hebrides salmon farmer Loch Duart and Motherwell-based beehive management firm Plan Bee Ltd have launched a long-term strategic biodiversity initiative to protect Scotland’s honey and bumble bees.
Three beehives have been installed at a site near one of the company’s farms in Sutherland in the first stage of the project that aims to encourage and sustain Scottish honey bee populations in the far north west coast of Scotland, which has a unique microclimate that provides a welcome home for new bee populations.
Although no hives have been sited on Uist, a range of native flowers and wild forage gardens will be established there and in Sutherland.
Honey from the hives will be used by Loch Duart’s food ambassador, chef Patrick Evans, to devise and share several salmon recipes in support of the British honey bee.
Increasing awareness
Loch Duart is also supporting Plan Bee’s efforts to increase awareness of and improve biodiversity in local communities. Starting in spring 2019 Plan Bee will work with schools in Sutherland and Uist to establish and enhance habitats for native bumble bees.
The project will provide resources for schools to plant their own wildlife gardens with pollinator-friendly, native flora in both Uist and Sutherland. Through Plan Bee’s education programme, children will take part in workshops to explore biodiversity in the distinctive ecosystems of this part of Scotland.
Plan Bee will also provide Loch Duart with a bee management plan and a dedicated beekeeper who will conduct regular visits and assessments at the Sutherland site to ensure the good health of both bees and the plants used by them.
Vital role
Loch Duart managing director Alban Denton said: “Loch Duart is very conscious about the role that agricultural businesses like ours have working in this beautiful environment.
“By taking a proactive approach and choosing a partner company like Plan Bee that fitted with our ethos and principles, we can make a small contribution to the vital role that this wonderful creature has in supporting sustainability and biodiversity in Uist and Sutherland.”
Plan Bee managing director, Alison Bell, said: “Plan Bee is focused on protecting British honey bees, but also engaging local communities in providing habitats for native pollinators. Loch Duart is a significant local employer that cares deeply about its local environment, so really this amazing partnership is a summation of the values that drive both of our businesses.”
