Like a honeybee embarking on its first flight from flower to hive, our beekeeping journey began with a spark of inspiration and carried us through a twisting, often unpredictable, but ultimately rewarding path. What started as a passing thought between friends has now blossomed into something truly special, a thriving beekeeping community at King’s College School.

September 2023 – The First Buzz of an Idea

It all began with a lightbulb moment, as spontaneous as a bee discovering its first nectar-laden bloom. My friend Max stopped me in the corridor, eyes alight with excitement, and declared that he had an idea—one that would take root and grow far beyond what we could have imagined.

October–November 2023 – Seeking Permission to Land

Armed with enthusiasm but little knowledge, we fluttered into our first meeting with our Headmistress. We presented our vision, tentatively, yet passionately. She listened, considered, and granted us approval. Encouraged, we then met Allison Pelican, a seasoned beekeeper whose wisdom quickly revealed the challenges ahead. Beekeeping, we learned, was not as simple as setting down a hive and waiting for golden honey to flow. Safety, sustainability, and the intricacies of hive management loomed large before us.

January 2024 – Building the Hive of Approval

A hive cannot exist without structure, and neither could our project. The safety of students and staff was paramount, and so we found ourselves deep in discussions, drafting meticulous risk assessments, consulting with groundskeepers, and addressing safeguarding concerns. After months of careful planning and presenting our case, we finally secured full approval, a triumphant milestone, much like a bee finding its way home after a long and uncertain flight.

May 2024 – Planting the Seeds of Growth

As our project gained momentum, we realized that to flourish, we needed a strong colony of dedicated individuals. Thus, we established a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), creating a space for eager minds to gather, learn, and plan the future of our beekeeping endeavour. In June, we assembled a team buzzing with enthusiasm, including our founding trio—Max, Pierce, and myself. Recognizing the need for continuity, we welcomed younger students like Kaan, ensuring our work would outlast our time at the school. In a spirit of collaboration, we also forged a partnership with Harris Academy Wimbledon, bringing in fresh perspectives and a sense of community.

September 2024 – The First Flight of Our CCA

With the launch of our beekeeping CCA, our project truly took off. Like worker bees returning to the hive, we devoted our time to careful planning, budgeting, and the all-important risk assessments. Our learning extended beyond the school grounds, as we ventured to Morden Park, where seasoned beekeepers, Allison and Gareth, guided us through the art of running an apiary. Here, we donned suits and veils, experiencing first-hand the delicate balance of tending to a hive.

October–November 2024 – Choosing the Right Flower

Before a bee commits to a flower, it must choose wisely. Our next challenge was selecting the perfect site for our beehive.
Two options lay before us:

1. A school-based location, conveniently close but with limited space and a slightly higher risk to students.

2. A sports ground location, offering vast open space but proving more difficult to reach each week. After much deliberation, we chose the school site—drawn not just by its accessibility, but also by the inviting atmosphere it offered. Something about the place just felt right, as if it were already waiting for a hive to call it home.

December 2024 – Preparing the Meadow

With our site secured, it was time to roll up our sleeves. Like bees clearing space in a hive for their queen, we took to the soil with determination, digging, weeding, and preparing the land for a flourishing ecosystem. Our vision was clear: a lush, pollinator-friendly sanctuary where our bees could thrive. Though the work was tough, mud-caked boots and aching hands became the norm, our spirits never wavered. Each cleared patch of earth was a step closer to our dream.

February 2025 – Nectar at Last: Funding Secured!

And now, we find ourselves at a thrilling juncture. After months of perseverance, we have finally secured the nectar we needed, funding from the Friends of Kings. With this financial support, we can now purchase the essential equipment, preparing for the arrival of our bees in the coming spring. Our journey has been long and winding, filled with obstacles and triumphs alike, but just like a bee returning home at dusk, we know that all the effort has been worth it. Soon, our hive will hum with life, and our vision will have fully taken flight. Spring awaits, and with it, the arrival of our bees, the most exciting chapter in our beekeeping odyssey.