Families and school groups in Glasgow now have a literal window into the world of bees thanks to a new observation hive at The Children’s Wood, helping more young people learn about biodiversity, pollination and the natural environment.
Located in a densely built-up part of the city, The Children’s Wood provides a unique urban green space where local people can connect with nature through free outdoor learning, community gardening, toddler groups and seasonal events. The charity also works with schools, nurseries and colleges, as well as young people with complex additional support needs, using the outdoors to promote wellbeing, education and community connection.
The new observation hive builds on its innovative Beedookit project, which uses beehives as a hands-on educational tool to teach people about the importance of pollinators.
Since the bees’ active period runs almost completely opposite to the school year, learning opportunities were limited during colder months. As the weather turns chilly, bee activity is reduced and opening hives can be harmful to the colonies. The new observation hive allows visitors to safely view bees at work throughout the year, creating a more engaging and interactive learning experience.
Custom-built by local woodworkers Alasdair Gauld and Finn Toohey, with Children’s Wood beekeeper Katie Muir, the hive was stocked with its own colony and is already proving popular with visitors.
Karen Stuart, Development Officer at The Children’s Wood, said: “The observation hive has been an incredible addition to The Children’s Wood and has captured the imagination of everyone who has visited. It’s given people a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a way that’s engaging, educational and memorable.
“The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive; we’ve seen children, families and local school groups completely fascinated as they watch the bees going about their daily lives and learn more about the important role pollinators play in our environment.”
The project was fully funded by a £1,680 grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which supports charities and community organisations across Glasgow and beyond. The funding covered the construction of the hive, the purchase of a nucleus colony of honeybees and the specialist equipment required to establish the project.
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “The Children’s Wood does outstanding work helping people of all ages engage with the natural world. The observation hive gives local children – and anyone visiting The Children’s Wood – an opportunity to observe bees up close and develop a greater understanding of biodiversity and conservation. It’s safe to say we’re ‘buzzing’ that the Trust has been able to support the creation of such a unique and valuable resource for the local community.”
Karen Stuart added: “It’s wonderful to see so many young people developing an interest in bees and biodiversity as a result of visiting the hive.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for making this project possible. Their support has helped us create a lasting resource that will benefit local people for years to come.”
As interest in nature and environmental education continues to grow, the observation hive is set to become a lasting feature at The Children’s Wood, inspiring future generations of young conservationists across Glasgow.
