Coronavirus lockdown boosts new Networx3 beehive
Busy Networx3 bosses are buzzing as their new beehive goes from strength to strength – because of the lockdown
Busy Networx3 bosses are buzzing as their new beehive goes from strength to strength – because of the lockdown.
The blown fibre optic installation firm introduced the Networx3 beehive at their headquarters in Great Harwood, Lancashire, just before the Covid 19 lockdown.
Tucked away behind Networx3’s two-storey premises on an industrial estate the bees are flourishing thanks to the UK’s ‘stay at home’ policy.
Only 20 feet away from Networx3’s busy car park where vans and lorries come and go all day the hive, which is surrounded by native wildflowers and hedgerow, is now home to a 7,000-strong colony of bees.
Founder and managing director Ian Ashworth said: “It might seem a strange place to establish a beehive – the middle of an industrial estate in Lancashire – but we wanted to do our bit to bring bees back from the brink.
“They’re in a place where they’re safe, hidden from view and they’re clearly loving it here.
“As a company we are very environmentally aware and passionate about protecting wildlife so having a beehive on our premises sits well with our core values.
“Myself, and all the staff, can’t wait for the first jar of Networx3 honey later this year.”
The growing colony forage on early tree pollen in the adjoining clough as well as the fields and gardens within a three-mile radius.
The colony is thriving partly due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic.
A cut in the exhaust fumes caused by traffic means bees pick up the scent of flowers more easily and a reduction in mowing roadside verges means bee-friendly wildflowers are flourishing.
As a result bees could be set for their best summer in years.
At the end of August the honey will be harvested with the hive capable of producing a bumper crop of up to 45 lbs of honey – enough to fill 55 jam jars.