Meet Shelley…she’s a keeper!
Since forming in 2018, Pollenize has been creating a network of research apiaries (beehive sites) across the city of Plymouth, targeting high profile locations to amplify our important message of pollinator conservation. Looking after 16 hives whilst trying to run an emerging business meant our resources were getting stretched. That said, Pollenize Directors Matthew and Owen decided it was time to onboard some extra help in managing the hives through the introduction of a new Head Beekeeper for 2022. At first, we were worried we wouldn't be able to find the right person in time for the start of the beekeeping season, with it being a rather niche role… but then we hit the jackpot!
Now the 2022 beekeeping season has come to an end, we thought we’d catch up with the lady who has been working super hard all summer to ensure the welfare of our colonies. Known for her bite-sized videos from the city’s rooftops and her iconic pink bee suit…let us introduce you to Shelley Glasspool
We’ve been very lucky to have you on board with us this year and have learned a tremendous amount from you! Your working week is split between Pollenize and Widdicombe’s Apiaries, can you tell us about your background and how you first got into beekeeping?
I would firstly like to thank Matt and Owen and Britt for welcoming me so warmly into the team at Pollenize and I am so glad that my addition to the team has been valued and enjoyed.
Since I was very young, I have always had a passion for nature and wildlife. When I finished school I went on to study Marine Biology and Ecology at Falmouth Marine School, followed by Animal Health and Management at Duchy Stoke Climsland. I worked many jobs before, during, and after education within my local community at shops, cafes and pubs. When I returned home having completed an internship in Gibraltar at Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park in 2013, I continued work at The Honey Room Cafe in my village, Millbrook. The Cafe’s owner, Jo Widdicombe, is known for his local veg shop (of which the cafe is outback) and also as the local beekeeper. When I was very young, maybe six years old, Jo came to my family’s home to collect a swarm of honey bees. I remember vividly, the mass of bees hanging like a ball from the tree and Jo setting up a box on the ground with a ramp leading into it. He then knocked the cluster of bees to the floor and they all marched together into the box, it was like magic!
Working in the Cafe, I often served Jo his coffee. The more I saw him in his bee suit, the more inquisitive I became, asking questions about the bees and whether I would be allowed to tag along to see them. Jo didn't seem too willing at first, in fear of me getting stung but he eventually invited me out to see the bees.
I remember my first visit (in 2016) being so exciting, it was as though I could feel the buzzing of the bees vibrating through my whole body! From then on, I offered my help wherever I could and did so throughout the Summer. Back then, Jo had around sixty colonies in total but had thoughts of reducing colony numbers as he planned to retire. Having learned about the unique population of native black bees (Apis Melifera Melifera) he had created over the years, I felt it would be devastating for it to diminish. Because Jo was unable to pay me for my help, I started to search for grants or funding to protect what he had achieved so far. I came across the Bee Farmers Association and emailed them for advice. They recognised Jo’s name as he was already a member and notified me of their apprenticeship scheme. Jo and I then had multiple meetings to discuss the potential of taking me on for the three-year duration with the intention for me to take over the business and continue his work once retired. In agreement, I began my apprenticeship at Widdicombe’s Apiaries, in April 2017. It was only the fourth year that the scheme had been running and I was only one of two apprentices that year. The first ever from Cornwall!
Throughout the apprenticeship, I worked four days a week learning on the job with Jo as my mentor and employer. Twice a year, I joined the other apprentice, Gabriel, in Surrey where we spent a week at a time learning the theory about bee farming. Here, we covered everything from honey bee biology to botany and financial studies. I really enjoyed our weeks away in Surrey and felt like I got to learn about the full potential of the bee farming business. In 2018, as part of my apprenticeship, I got to work abroad in New Zealand bee farming for four months with a company called Mana Kai Honey. Here I got to work with a large team keeping two thousand colonies and taking part in their annual Manuka run. This was an incredible experience that had me helping in the transporting of hives into the mountains using helicopters!
Now, five years on from officially starting my apprenticeship, Me, Jo and our new apprentice George, run one-hundred and sixty colonies with an additional forty or so nucs (small colony of bees) and up to eighty mini nucs in the height of the season.
How does beekeeping in an urban environment with Pollenize compare to the rural beekeeping you have been used to?
I think the greatest difference is the need to be conscious of the public. At home, although I am aware of people, our apiaries are generally quite hidden or inaccessible to the public. In the city, however, I have to be extra cautious of people who may be nearby and also be sure not to allow bees to follow me back into the buildings. It can often take tens of minutes waiting for the bees to stop following me before I can leave a site.
Another difference I noticed in my first couple of weeks working in the city, was the array of different pollen colours carried by returning foragers at any one time. At home, I am used to seeing lots of colours within the cells of the comb but I generally only see bees returning with one or two pollen types. I believe the reason for this difference is that the rural honey bees will seek out large crops of forage to save energy in searching for it. In the city though, there are fewer large crops available and so I assume they are having to find different sources among the gardens and parks more often.
I've been surprised at how much longer it takes me to inspect the sixteen or so colonies when working at Pollenize, but I guess it’s a mixture of having to be more careful during inspections to guarantee no swarming, having to sign in to different apiaries and also taking patrons out to see the bees.
(Photo Credit Chris Parkes)
What has your role involved with Pollenize? How has it been working with our research hives and being such a big support towards our ongoing conservation work?
My role as Head Beekeeper requires me to keep charge of the bees by carrying out weekly inspections of each colony. During inspections I check their Queen status (Queenright or Queenless), their health and most importantly, I carry out swarm control. Recently I have harvested the honey from over the season and have helped to extract and jar it ready for distribution to our patrons.
It has been really interesting learning about Pollenize, how it was founded and the work being carried out. The science hives in particular are really impressive to look at and it has been very exciting seeing their development. Not only are they being used to film the inside of the hive, but they are also being used to collect pollen samples. Part of my role involves retrieving and replacing the pollen catchment tubes each week.
I think the work being carried out by Pollenize is not only important for the conservation of pollinating insects within the city, but the modern approach to collecting data has made it really exciting and interactive for the public. This is a really important part of captivating people's attention, helping their ability to understand and learn more.
Which has been your favourite of our 9 urban apiaries across the city to manage and why?
It’s hard to choose a single favourite as they are all so different. I think the Marine Biological Association is my favourite for views, looking out over the Lido, Drakes Island and the Hoe. Not only this, but both colonies (one of which is the daughter hive of the other), seem to be really happy and content on the rooftop which makes them easy to work with.
Another fun site to visit is the National Marine Aquarium, as again it has a great view over the water and back towards the city. I also get to view one of the large aquatic tanks from above, where I often see feeding taking place or rays waving their wings at the surface of the water. It's a harder site to access, having to climb a ladder with equipment, but I kind of enjoy the challenge!
Genesis Building Apiary (Photo Credit: Chris Parkes)
As part of your role, you have been leading weekly community beekeeping sessions with our Patron members and introducing them to the world of bees. How have you found this aspect of the job?
I have really enjoyed the patron sessions, getting to meet different people, and demonstrating my weekly inspections. There have been quite a few individuals who have really shown their interest by asking lots of questions and have seemed to really understand what it is I'm explaining. Some patrons have attended multiple times, which is also really rewarding as it makes me feel like I'm doing a good job in interesting them!
At MVV Plymouth, I tend to get a text from their Communications and Community Relations Manager, Jane Ford, passing on really grateful messages from the staff that I have taken beekeeping, which has been really lovely to hear. There have also been a couple of staff who have brought their children to the sessions, which I have really enjoyed as I love being able to give children the opportunity to see and learn about the bees up close.
Teaching has been something I am looking forward to introducing into my role at Widdicombe’s Apiaries and so it has been a great chance to practice during the patron sessions at Pollenize.
What has been the highlight of your first year as our Head Beekeeper
It probably doesn't sound that exciting, but I think getting to familiarise myself with the city of Plymouth itself has been a big achievement for me this year. Although I only live over the water, I have somewhat avoided Plymouth over the years and visited it as little as possible. It seems silly now, but I always felt a bit overwhelmed coming from my little peninsula into the city and found it hard to navigate myself. In fact, I think I had only driven in Plymouth twice before starting at Pollenize and that was with the help of a passenger.
I now feel quite familiar with Plymouth and am comfortable driving around all on my own! Getting to travel around the city has actually been really enjoyable and having sites located on significant buildings and landmarks has made exploring Plymouth quite exciting.
(Photo Credit Chris Parkes)
We’re assuming you’re a big fan of a certain sticky substance called honey… what's your go-to way of eating it?
Haha, I often feel slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I rarely eat honey myself! However, when I do, I like to spread it on a crumpet with real butter, yum!
When you’re not suited up and amongst our buzzy friends, how else do you enjoy spending your time?
During the summer I get very little time to do anything other than work, but I do try to make the most of the good weather and rush for a quick swim followed by a pint after work. I have a piece of land in Millbrook too, so I spend a lot of my spare time tending to my chickens and allotment which feels a bit like a job in itself sometimes. It may sound crazy, but I quite look forward to downtime in the winter where I get to properly rest and spend time with friends and family.
MVV Apiary (Photo credit Chris Parkes)
That’s a wrap for this year Shelley, time to put your feet up! We look forward to welcoming you back in 2023 for another exciting beekeeping season!
