A Buzzing Day with Bees!

Published 10th September 2021. Written by Nicolette Chalhoub

Tuesday the 9th of September 2025 began like any other spring morning in Mudgee – crisp air, blue skies, and that special light that makes the paddocks glow. At AREC, around twenty locals – farmers, gardeners, beekeepers, and curious community members – gathered for a Landcare event exploring the fascinating world of bees.

Guest speaker Alex Schellenberg, Bee Biosecurity Officer with the Hunter Valley DPI, set the tone with his passion for pollinators. He spoke about spring as the season of growth, when colonies expand rapidly and foraging activity reaches its peak. Alex highlighted the local endemic plants that bees forage in the Mudgee region and explained why hive management is most critical at this time of year – with inspections every 10 to 14 days, monitoring queen activity, and keeping colonies strong and healthy.

The room grew even more attentive when the conversation turned to pests and threats. Alex discussed the small hive beetle as well as the looming risk of the Varroa mite, an invasive parasite that poses one of the greatest challenges to bee health worldwide. He stressed the importance of recognising early warning signs, acting quickly, and understanding that bee health is not only the beekeeper’s concern – it affects farms, ecosystems, and food security across the community.

The real magic of the day unfolded outside. After the talk, the group suited up and walked to the AREC bee yard. Excitement bubbled as everyone wrestled into their gear, laughter mixing with nervous energy as the veils came down. Then came the moment of stillness as Alex opened a hive. The sound of thousands of wings filled the air – warm, vibrating, alive – and for a moment everyone stood, awestruck. Watching the bees carry pollen, tend brood, and move with tireless purpose brought the morning’s lessons vividly to life.

By the time the hive was closed and the suits packed away, the feeling was more than knowledge gained – it was connection. A deeper appreciation for bees, for the people who care for them, and for the land that sustains us all.

The biggest takeaway? Bee health is community health. And Landcare is where that connection begins.

Events like this remind us that Landcare is more than a program – it’s a movement. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is the time. Become a member of Watershed Landcare, lend a hand, learn new skills, and be part of something bigger. Just like the bees, we thrive when we work together.