Lafarge Tarmac’s Aberthaw Cement plant, located in Wales, has received a delivery of five honey bee colonies. The bees are helping the local ecological cycle and supporting local farmers by pollinating crops. The cement plant can offer lots of natural habitat around the quarry, so Environmental Coordinator Kara Bennett has championed the addition of the beehives to the site’s wildlife population.
“Our site is positioned between two river estuaries, the River Thaw and the River Kenson. We have land near the quarry that we don’t use specifically and which naturally offers sites of biodiversity,” explained Kara. “The quarry is already home to wetland birds and some species of newts, with regular visits by flocks of Canadian Geese each year.
“Part of my role is to make the most of what the plant naturally has to offer and the unique environment of the quarry. Setting aside space for our new bee colonies seemed a natural enhancement that would support our biodiversity programme.”
The hives are being set up and will be looked after by a family of experienced bee keepers – the Frasers, who are also helping staff at the site learn more about the bees and how to care for them.
Lynda Fraser said, “As a family, we have been looking after bees for a number of years, and we are delighted to be able to have more hives at the Aberthaw Cement Plant. We have chosen a variety of bee that is known for its good temperament and also for its honey production. We are keen to promote sustainable honey collection, so never collect more honey from a hive than it can easily sustain.”
Once the bees are established, the plant plans to invite local school children to visit and learn more about how important bees are to biodiversity.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui