Quietly tucked in a disused corner, the Ceres bee group is now in its 4th year and has come a long way since it’s early beginnings with an attendance of just two.

A steep and rocky slope was hand dug, levelled and fenced using salvaged materials to provide a safe and suitable environment for the arrival of our special new residents who discreetly work the trees and flowers along the Merri Creek and of course help the flowers and veggies grown on site.

Founded by Henry Jackson, a long time hobby bee-keeper and lawyer (who has since moved to Perth), and Lyndon Fenlon from micro-enterprise The Urban Honey Company (who has been producing Melbourne honey for 6 years), the bee group is now attended by a regular bunch of enthusiasts and passers-by keen to have a look at what we’re doing.
Chris Strudwick from the EPA (a third generation bee-keeper) has since filled the gap left by Henry.

We give free and hands on experience to anyone who shares the same fascination with these amazing creatures that effectively support our existence here on earth and who may also want to keep bees themselves. We are networked with other Victorian bee groups and industry bodies. We’re also a good follow up for those who have taken the bee course at Ceres and need a bit more practice before buying their own hive.

We are currently participating in Department of Primary Industries Bee Force Surveillance Project and are part of ten volunteer bee-keepers in the Port Melbourne area monitoring hives to protect against an incursion of the destructive Varroa mite. As the last country on earth which is Varroa free we’d like to keep it that way.

We can show you all about bee-keeping, guidelines and responsibilities, industry membership such as The Victorian Apiarists Association and practical advice on making up frames and equipment and if you feel like giving us a hand cutting the grass that’d be great too.

We meet 3rd Sunday of every month in the market area at 10.00 and have a small number of spare protective veils.

More info, contact;

Urban Honey Co.
mail@urbanhoneyco.com