ABOUT OWENRIFF HONEY
Locally born and bred, Steve Watson the founder of Owenriff Honey has always been passionate about nature. Having lived abroad for a long time, Steve decided to return to his native Galway and change careers after 20+ years in medicine.
He set up his beekeeping business in 2018, learning from experienced bee-keepers. He undertook formal education and completed his Masters in Agricultural Innovation from the University of Galway. He is currently undertaking a Diploma in Apiculture from the University of Galway as well as completing relevant certificates with FIBKA, the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations.
He is particularly focused on protecting the Native Irish Honey Bee.
PROTECTING OUR NATIVE POLLINATORS - THE NATIVE IRISH BLACK HONEY BEE
There are 100 bee species native to Ireland. Twenty-one of these are bumblebees and 80 species of solitary bees. However, there is only one Honey bee native to Ireland and that is the native native Irish Black Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). It is believed that the native native Irish Black Honey Bee was established in Ireland between 4,000 to 10,000 years ago.
The native native Irish Black Honey Bee has a number of characteristics and adaptations that contribute to it being an ideal fit to its Irish environment. Firstly foraging. They will fly at temperatures as low as 5.5°C (46°F) and even in drizzle or light rain (particularly important in Ireland). To keep themselves warm, they are bigger and hairier than other European honey bees. The breeding season is quite short to fit with shorter Irish summers, they are very frugal with stores and overwinter in small clusters given the colder climate.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROTECT OUR BEES?
Aside from its significance as a pollinator, it is our only native honey bee and uniquely adapted to our climate and conditions.
One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. This is due to reduction in the number of trees, flowers and safe nesting sites in our landscapes. By not using pesticides and herbicides, sowing more native plant species in your garden and allowing some areas of garden to re-wild we can all help honey bees tend and benefit pollinators in general.