A NEW teaching apiary will be opened at Harrogate's RHS Garden Harlow Carr today to mark World Bee Day.

The event, attended by the mayor and mayoress of Harrogate, will also celebrate the centenary of the Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers' Association (HRBKA). The new education and teaching apiary has been provided by the RHS, the Royal Horticultural Society, after extensive collaboration between the two societies. It is located at the top of South Field behind Betsy the Bee, the giant bee sculpture and in summer houses up to 30 colonies, which are owned and managed by HRBKA.

Apiary in Southfield at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Apiary in Southfield at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

The official apiary opening will take place at 2pm and, weather permitting, members of HRBKA will give a live beekeeping demonstration. Located in The Lodge, there will also be a giant virtual beehive, giving visitors a glimpse into the hidden inner world of bees. HRBKA runs weekly Beekeeping demonstrations at Harlow Carr every Saturday at 2pm, throughout June, July and August, as well as providing taster days in June and July.

Sarah Haynes, HRBKA education officer and apiary manager, said: "The new apiary site is truly wonderful and an absolute joy to teach our beginners in. We love talking to the public and answering their questions whenever we are there, and it is a real privilege to work within these beautiful gardens all year round. HRBKA have a long history of working with the RHS and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue building on past and present relationships, bringing all the wonders and delights of beekeeping to visitors and students alike."

World Bee Day 2022 also kicks off a whole week of half-term activities from May 28, all about bees and how important they are in gardens.