The Beekeeper’s Tale

Mark Dennison is a bee keeper and honey producer in the Peak District (England).  Here is his tale in his own words:  

I met Mats-on-the-Hill on the 2004 BESST visit to Hylte (Sweden). A towering man with a gentle nature, he talked about his business telling stories about the history and people who had lived at his farm. His basic "product" was holiday accommodation but what made it really special was Mats himself. He accompanies guests on nature walks and explains nature and how he lives. We talked at length about how he runs his business and he was interested in mine, particularly what goes on in a beehive! He suggested this would make an interesting holiday offer and that I should consider how to show visitors my hives.

"Meet the Bees" was born - not as an instructional course but as a one-off inspirational experience. Equipment was bought to ensure people's safety. The first session was booked - a family on holiday in the Peak District. I adopted a style that Mats and I had discussed - telling stories as well as giving facts and information. The feedback was positive so with minor adjustments, further events were booked.

 Mats came to the Peak District in spring 2005. I had the opportunity to take the process full circle - showing the end-product to the inventor. The session was fantastic! It not only enabled me to showcase my business but also demonstrated that, through BESST collaboration, a product had been created that added value to my business and gave a superb forum to show visitors how it the Peak is not just a theme park but a living working landscape.

Make a beeline for Daisybank Apiaries to ‘Meet the Bees’!

Location: Peak District

Businesses Involved:

Daisybank Apiaries

Mats på Höjden

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