Beekeeping centre opens after £250,000 fundraiser

A new centre designed to teach beekeeping and give the public a chance to experience it for themselves has opened its doors.

The Honey Bee Centre in Shillingstone, Dorset, officially opened on Saturday after more than a decade in the planning and a £250,000 fundraising effort.

Run by the North Dorset Beekeepers Association, the new site has been designed to teach the science and craft of beekeeping to beginners and experts alike.

Bob Maurer, who attended the opening as chair of the National Honey Show, said that the centre's construction had been a "huge achievement".

Maurer added: "It's rare to see a beekeeping association acquire such an amazing facility."

The facility has been constructed with accessibility in mind, and will also be able to host drop-in sessions and practical classes.

North Dorset Beekeepers said that a particular focus for the centre would be local schools and charitable organisations such as adult and youth groups.

Ron Briggs, the group's education officer, said: "Raising awareness of the amazing life of the honeybee can spark an interest in insect pollinators and their place in our world.

"We're looking forward to sharing our passion for these tiny but important creatures."

Speaking at Saturday's opening ceremony, Robbie Baird, the group's chair of trustees, said: "It's humbling to see what can be achieved by an organisation like ours when we get stuck into a task.

"I'm excited about what now lies ahead."

The Honeybee Centre is open to association members and those attending pre-booked courses or other events.

It is set to open to the general public later this summer.