Transforming collapsing bee colonies into flourishing apiaries by a woman

In the picturesque town of St Austell, Cornwall, a remarkable story of bee conservation is unfolding. Molly Earl, a local beekeeper and the founder of Bees Off, has been rescuing honeybees and saving hives since 2020.

Earl's journey began as an adult when she established Bees Off, a bee removal company, with a mission to save honeybees. Her dedication to the cause has been fruitful, as she has successfully saved 250 hives in the region since then.

One of her most recent projects involved setting up 12 hives on a quiet grassy area at Par docks, which borders woodland. Earl is not just any beekeeper; she is an innovator, experimenting with new hives that more closely mimic the natural habitat of bees.

Earl's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Peter Sawford, the environmental manager at a local mineral supplier, Imerys, supports Earl's work and believes it benefits the community. Imerys has generously provided land for bee apiaries on former quarries in Cornwall, expanding Earl's network of hives.

Earl's hives can now be found in unexpected places, such as by a power station and at an incinerator. Despite these less-than-ideal locations, Earl's bees seem to thrive, thanks to her careful management and innovative techniques.

After rescue, bees are quarantined, checked for diseases or pests, and then relocated to an apiary. Earl uses thermal and probe cameras, a 'bee vac', and careful removal techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of the bees during the relocation process.

Earl's hard work and dedication are reflected in her impressive 98% bee survival rate. Her honey, The Rescued Bee honey, has also received recognition, winning a Gold Taste of the West award. Earl sells her honey at local markets for £10 per lb.

Analysis of Earl's honey by the National Honey Monitoring Scheme revealed plantain and blackberry as top foraging plants, offering insight into the rich biodiversity that Earl's bees are able to access.

Molly Earl's passion for bees began at a young age when she started catching honey bee swarms with her father. Today, she continues to expand her operations, currently setting up more hives on a replanted quarry site.

The name of the environmental manager at Imerys who is working with Molly Earl to establish beehives on former clay mining sites in Cornwall is not publicly available. However, their collaboration is a testament to the power of community partnerships in conservation efforts.

In a world where bees face numerous threats, Molly Earl's work is a beacon of hope. Her dedication to saving honeybees and her innovative approach to beekeeping are making a real difference in St Austell and beyond.