HMS Collingwood has recently launched an exciting conservation project as part of their on-going task to enhance the local environment.
The establishment’s Environment & Energy Manager, Mark Powell, began a mission to introduce new life to the establishment with the addition of a Beehive.
After identifying the cost implications of the project Mark decided to crowd fund across the site, with organisations including ESS and the Central Amenities Fund on hand to make substantial donations.
Another on site organisation, Interserve, heard of the plans and realising how important conservation is across the establishment, they generously decided to purchase a Beehive for the project.
This allowed previous donations to remain for future costs and equipment, making the project completely sustainable from the beginning.
With the funds in place, it was now a waiting game to acquire some local bees in need of a new environment.
When Mark eventually received some good news from the Portsmouth Beekeepers Association, he made his way to Funland in Hayling Island, where a swarm of Bee’s had made their home on the top of the Runaway Mine Train ride.
With the project in full force it instantly caught the eye of Interserve employee Angela Whitworth and she volunteered to assist with the Beekeeping duties.
Angela, who is the Merchant Navy Liaison Voyage Administrator, said of her involvement “As a child I was brought up to have respect for all living things.
“I’ve always wanted to have a hive in my garden, but I’ve never lived anywhere large enough!
“When I found out about this project I immediately volunteered to help out.
“My daughter-in- law’s grandfather has always kept hives until very recently, when he heard about the project, he donated his beekeeping outfit.
“My first visit was scary, interesting and an education on Bee’s behaviour.
“I’m looking forward to spending some more time with these little guys, they are incredibly important to all of us and to lose them would be disaster.”
As an on-going project, Mark hopes to also be producing and selling HMS Collingwood’s very own Honey in the site’s Chaplaincy within the next year.
