Nature is buzzing back to life at Windy Harbour Holiday Park near Blackpool as thousands of bees are waking up just in time for World Bee Day on 20th May.
Two thriving colonies of bees were introduced to the extensive land at the popular Partington’s Holiday Park for the very first time last year as part of the Lancashire-based company’s growing commitment to biodiversity, sustainability and creating a richer natural environment for all.
After a long winter tucked away in their specially designed hives, the bees are beginning to stir once more and staff say the tiny new residents are going to bring a real sense of excitement to the park.
The colonies of Buckfast and Durham Brown bees are lovingly cared for by Partington’s very own Beekeeper Dan Jefferson, who learned the craft from his father John Jefferson – a respected Master Beekeeper from the North East of England who has been caring for bees for over 50 years.
Dan, who is in his 50s and lives in Thornton, said: “Beekeeping has always been in the family and I have been around bees all my life. My dad taught me everything I know, from understanding their fascinating behaviour to caring for different colonies throughout the changing seasons. We established the Windy Harbour apiary last May from just one virgin queen and seeing all the bees settle in so well to life at a holiday park was fantastic. It’s very exciting to now see the hive starting to come back to life after their very first winter in their new homes and in time for World Bee Day.”
World Bee Day was established by the United Nations in 2017 to highlight the vital role bees play in sustaining our ecosystems and food security; with pollinators supporting nearly 75% of global food crops. The May 20th date honours the birthday of Anton Janša – a pioneer of modern beekeeping from Slovenia, whose work laid the foundation for contemporary apiculture. World Bee Day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of pollinators, encourage global action to protect their habitats, promote sustainable agriculture and support beekeepers.
As the Windy Harbour bees now begin to awaken and start venturing out across the surrounding countryside, the gardening team at Windy Harbour are also getting involved in the buzz.
Park gardeners Conrad Bunday and Paul Walmsley have recently completed a beekeeping course at Burnside Garden Centre alongside experts from the Blackpool and Fylde Beekeepers Association, helping them learn more about pollinators, conservation and how to create bee-friendly habitats throughout the park.
Dan said: “Our gardeners are now using their new beekeeping knowledge to create vibrant planting schemes filled with pollinator-friendly flowers and greenery that will help support not just our own bee colonies, but butterflies and other essential wildlife across the park too. Working alongside nature is so important when it comes to protecting our environment, and bees play a huge role in keeping those ecosystems healthy and thriving.”
Partington’s Holiday Parks is a family-owned business which owns and operates parks across Lancashire, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales; all with a focus on family fun, making memorable experiences and supporting the natural environment.
Partington’s Chief Executive Officer, Rob Kearsley, said: “Our bees have become a real talking point at Windy Harbour amongst our team and it’s wonderful to see them re-emerge in time for World Bee Day. Supporting the natural environment and maintaining sustainability throughout our parks is incredibly important to us, so this is a project we’re very proud of.”
Fellow CEO Andrea Challis added: “With Spring now in full bloom, our Windy Harbour colonies. over the coming months, will get back to their vital work pollinating flowers, supporting local ecosystems and adding a little extra bit of striped magic to life at Windy Harbour Holiday Park. Celebrate World Bee Day with us this year and look after the bees in your area!”
Partington’s Holiday Parks – where sustainability is not just a buzzword.
For further information on Partington’s Holiday Parks please visit www.partingtons.com and take a virtual tour of the parks at www.partingtons.com/virtual-tours
