The studios are literally buzzing this summer with the sound of our very own honey bees! Old friend of the studios Tony Briggs has set up PLAN BEE, a new project where he’s installing beehives for businesses to help with biodiversity and their own green footprint.
Tony tells us “My wife bought me my first beehive as a birthday present, and it wasn’t long before I came fascinated by caring for them and learning about their extraordinary lives. It gave me huge pleasure to produce my first honey and do my part to protect these very important pollinators on whom all our ecosystems depend, but are suffering due to urban development and intensive farming.”
Tony is now building a service that provides beehives to schools, colleges, businesses, and individual homeowners who want to see these super-valuable members of our communities survive and thrive.
Clients can rent or buy their own beehives complete with colonies, and Tony will monitor and care for them as required, including bottling the all-important honey gathered from the local flora, which is appreciated both for its delicious taste and wide variety of medical benefits, such as targeted protection from hay fever and other allergies. He’s particularly focused on protecting the rare British black bee species, which is in severe decline.
“You could say I had my share of dealing with divas and difficult clients during my photography years. People sometimes find bees threatening but they’re really only focused on making our way of life sustainable. My bees know me, and they’re so easy to handle and maintain. I hope that everyone can find a way to support them and enjoy the chance to produce delicious honey while lending their support to biodiversity—almost 90% of plants and 75% of leading global crops depend on global pollination. That’s one in three of every mouthfuls we eat!”
After a photography career shooting ‘90s icons and major advertising campaigns, from Kate Moss, Ali G and Bill Bailey to Ronaldinho, Raymond Blanc, and Ocean Colour Scene—what has Tony hooked on his new role as an apiarist? “It’s time to slow down a bit, enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds us, and do my bit to keep it healthy and productive for future generations. Even if you don’t have room for a beehive or two, everyone can do their bit for nature with one or two pots of bee-friendly flowers. I’d like to spread the joy (and honey!) of these fascinating creatures as far and wide as possible.”
Tony says the bees are settling well into their new home, and are thriving. We are looking forward to tasting our own honey soon!
For more info: https://www.tonybriggs.com/planbee