Mick Verspuij.

THE STORY

Meet Mick, the Buncrana Beekeeping Man. Raised in Holland, Mick’s love of nature inspired him to study Forestry and Landscape Management, a path which eventually brought him to Galway in 2001. After landing a job as a head gardener on an organic farm, he became increasingly aware of the vital role that bees played in the success of his crop yield.

In 2012, Mick inherited two beehives from his friend Alan, who had sadly passed away, and he threw himself into his new passion. Starting out with very little knowledge of the intricacies of beekeeping, he is now an expert in his field, adopting techniques which were used in the Middle Ages to keep his bees healthier and happier. “The old hives are designed for beekeepers not for bees,” he explained to me. And so rather than using the conventional, square hives we are familiar with, Mick creates beautiful log hives by carving out cavities inside sustainably sourced trees. The environment of these hives mimics the bee’s natural abode. “I supply the house, sow the flowers, and interfere as little as possible.”

Those two colonies he inherited from his friend have now multiplied to 220, and are pollinating plants all over Ireland – demonstrating the impact that one man’s determination and creativity can have.

Through Boomtreebees, Mick’s mission is to conserve and rewild the Native Irish honey bee, with particular focus on teaching younger generations about their importance to our environment and our future. He has become an influential figure in the natural beekeeping movement and shares his knowledge of biodiversity and environmental conversation at schools and colleges. “If I can get just one person a year interested in conservation and habitat creation, then I’ll be happy.”

THE WHY

Our native honey bee is under severe threat of habitat loss due to the changing landscape. I hope to inspire people to change and to reconnect with their environment.

THE CHALLENGE

We have to stop cutting corners when we talk about helping nature rewild. Deadwood and leaves are so important for wildlife. Dedicate a corner of your garden to being a little messy.

THE HOPE

Watching honey bees adapt is inspiring. We can learn from them.

THE RECOMMENDATION

BOOK - The Lives of Bees by Thomas D Seeley.

To find out more visit boomtreebees.com or follow Mick on Instagram @Boomtreebees