Exhibit proves a honeytrap for nature lovers

Photo: Tony Miller

HIVE of activity . . . beekeeper Jonathan Downs attends to the bees.

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A NEW exhibit is creating a buzz at Gallery Oldham - and visitors have already been swarming to it.

The balcony off the top floor has become a hive of activity... for a colony of bees!

Beekeeping Oldham Council employee Jonathan Downs brought one of his hives and 2,00 bees to the rooftop in April. He now believes there are around 30,000 bees - thanks to the hive’s prime location, next to the gallery’s “green” roof.

The seeded roof — which keeps the building warm and filters rain water used to flush the library toilets — is home to many creatures, but its scented blooms have proved irresistible to bees.

So much so Jonathan is now hoping to harvest jars of delicious honey at the end of the summer.

The gallery is currently selling honey produced by Jonathan’s other bees on his allotment near Preston.

“I did some volunteer work at the gallery a couple of years ago and thought it would be a great idea to get a hive up there,” he said taught bee-keeping by his dad.

“With bees declining worldwide we need to do everything we can to increase numbers, particularly in urban areas. This is the perfect location.”

Jonathan pops in to keep an eye on his bees whenever he can and the gallery has now created a special seating area for people to sit and watch them at work.

“I’ve had some really positive feedback from visitors,” he said.

“We’ve also had a few school groups looking around so I’ve been able to tell them all about the bees and what it takes to look after them which involves a lot more than people think.”
twitter: @GillPottsOC