Last updated: 18 June 2026
There was a time when the sound of a bee buzzing nearby was enough to make me move quickly in the opposite direction. Like many people, my experiences with bees as a child mostly involved the occasional sting, and I grew up viewing them as something to avoid rather than appreciate.
At the time, I never imagined that one day I would become a beekeeper.
Everything changed quite unexpectedly when a swarm of honey bees arrived in my garden. Instead of reacting with fear, I found myself completely fascinated by what I was seeing. Thousands of bees moved together with purpose, filling the air with a steady hum. Rather than feeling threatened, I was captivated by their behaviour and organisation.
That single event sparked a curiosity that quickly grew into a passion.
Wanting to learn more, I began reading about honey bees, their role in the environment, and the challenges they face. Before long, I took the plunge and purchased my first hive. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Since then, beekeeping has become far more than just a hobby. It has given me a greater appreciation for nature, taught me patience, and provided countless opportunities to learn. Every inspection brings something different. Some days are filled with success, while others present challenges that require careful thought and experience. No matter how long you keep bees, there is always something new to discover.
One of the reasons I created BeezKnees was to help make beekeeping information easier to access. When I first started, I spent countless hours searching through books, websites and forums trying to find answers. While there is a huge amount of excellent information available, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start or which advice applies to your own situation.
Through this blog, I hope to share my experiences, observations, successes, mistakes and lessons learned along the way. I'll be documenting what I see during inspections, seasonal changes in the apiary, bee health issues, honey harvests, swarm management, and the many surprises that beekeeping regularly delivers.
Whether you're an experienced beekeeper, someone considering keeping bees for the first time, or simply curious about these remarkable insects, I hope you'll find something useful, interesting or inspiring here.
Happy beekeeping,
Colin
Join the Conversation
Beekeeping is all about learning from one another. Follow BeezKnees for more inspection notes, seasonal observations and practical beekeeping tips.