Capital Bee, a unique business venture by Camilla Goddard, was set up as an ecological initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of honey bee colonies in Britain. This initiative is steeped in the appreciation of the vital role bees play in our environment and the dire need to protect and proliferate them.

Capital Bee offered various services such as educational courses, talks, and demonstrations about beekeeping. The objective was to demystify beekeeping, traditionally seen as a daunting activity. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, some of these courses saw interruptions.

Recognising the common fear associated with bee swarms, Capital Bee provided a bee swarm collection and removal service within the London area. This service worked to ensure that bees were handled humanely and appropriately, ensuring their preservation and conservation.

Given the significant threat to the bee population, Capital Bee also focused on raising awareness about bee endangerment and conservation. It shed light on harmful practices, such as the use of neonicotinoids in bug killers, which harm bees. Additionally, Capital Bee championed the cultivation of bee-friendly plants and trees in urban areas, creating much-needed forage for the bees.

For pest control companies dealing with bee swarms in London, Capital Bee offered support in collecting and rehabilitating these bees. They also ran a special bumble bee rehoming scheme, which was crucial in preserving bumble bee populations endangered by urban development.

The success of Capital Bee is reflected in its establishment of safe bee sanctuaries across South London. These sanctuaries, located in diverse settings such as allotments, parks, and churches, are designed with eco-friendly methods and are often surrounded by bee-friendly plants. They serve as a haven for rescued swarms or abandoned colonies, which are checked and treated for any colony problems.

Capital Bee’s efforts have also extended to the promotion of bee-friendly plants and the local honey industry. It underscores the importance of local honey as it retains complex flavours due to the absence of blending or heating. Besides, local honey is believed to help hay fever sufferers build up a resistance to local pollens.

Currently, Capital Bee’s hives extend across large parts of South London, including the Greenwich Mausoleum and a churchyard in Brockley. Honey, once harvested, is available at various local outlets such as the Broca Cafe in Brockley, the Larder in Ladywell, and Apple N’Orange grocers in Blackheath Standard.

Through its efforts, Capital Bee showcased the value of bees, not just for honey production, but for their crucial role in pollination and the broader ecosystem. As the business grew, it not only focused on honey production, but also became a lifeline for bees, contributing significantly to the conservation of this invaluable insect.

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