Honey, when conservatively and responsibly harvested, will leave enough stores for the bees to survive on through the winter, while giving your family a good amount for eating and cooking or your Artisan business enough honey to sell. Additionally, wax can be harvested for candles, balms, and other body products.

However, it is not just the harvesting of honey that makes beekeeping so enjoyable and satisfying although there is no better honey than your own. It is also the feeling of being part of nature.

The better the quality of honey your bees create the healthier it will be for you. Honey contains important antioxidants which reduce the risks of certain diseases such as cancer,

diabetes and heart disease. Some studies have also claimed it can reduce cholesterol levels.It is also believed by many beekeepers that looking after bees is therapeutic and reduces stress by engaging with nature at this level. Many see the gentle soothing hum created by the bees as creating a meditative and relaxing mood helping the stresses of the day melt way

Whilst happiness may be a more tenuously linked outcome from beekeeping it has always been accepted that contributing to something good makes us fundamentally happy.

As a beekeeper, no matter how small your apiary, you are definitely contributing to the bigger picture of our global environment. The dramatic decrease in the population of wild honeybees can be counteracted by in increase in managed bee colonies. So even a single back garden beehive contributes to our environment and gives us a sense of fulfilment knowing the contribution we are making.Make your bees happy and they will make you happy as well as provide hours of positive activity