Last month, the Research Apiary in North Richmond, nestled in the NSW Hawkesbury region 67km northwest of Sydney, opened its doors to researchers, scientists and supporters of the Foundation, inviting them to explore the upgraded site.

The Research Apiary has 20 new hives and is already being used by researchers and organisations to study pests, diseases and other issues that affect bees.

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers says the Research Apiary’s upgrade is an exciting next step for honey bee research.

“The new hives meet stringent scientific requirements to support research that helps protect the health and welfare of bees,” Ms Chambers said.

“We’re delighted to invest in cutting-edge research that will help protect bees and ensures the future of Australia’s food system.”

The Research Apiary is located on the property that was once the home of the Foundation’s benefactor, Gretchen Wheen, and has evolved into a hub where researchers can test various management interventions in a practical field environment, under controlled conditions.

Wheen Bee Foundation Board Director and Chair of the Research Apiary Technical Advisory Committee (RATAC) Dr Diana Leemon says the event was a wonderful opportunity to connect over a shared passion for bees at a place closely tied to Gretchen’s legacy.

“Gretchen was a true believer in honey bee education, opening up her home to train other beekeepers,” Dr Leemon said.

“Her passion for bees and for scientific discovery continues to shape our work here at the Research Apiary and these new hives are an important step to improving scientific understanding of bees.”

The event was attended by RATAC members along with representatives from the Wheen Bee Foundation and Rabobank, and researchers from Macquarie, Sydney, and Western Sydney Universities, giving them the opportunity to explore the apiary and observing the busy hives in action.

Two leading researchers presented on current pollination projects. Associate Professor Fleur Ponton from Macquarie University outlined research on honey bee gut health, native bee self-medication, biological controls for pests and the use of fungi against Varroa mites.

Professor James Cook from Western Sydney University described his studies on pest control, pollination in crops under pesticide use, hive monitoring technologies, and broader research on alternative pollinators, bushfire recovery, climate change impacts and boosting floral resources to support bee health.

The event was the perfect backdrop to acknowledge the work of esteemed beekeeper and former Research Apiary Manager Bruce White OAM for his many years of voluntary service maintaining the hives in the Research Apiary.

“Bruce has been an important piece of the Research Apiary,” Ms Chambers said. “Since the very beginning, Bruce has provided thoughtful guidance to researchers and expert care to the hives.”

The Research Apiary is available to researchers and organisations to study pests, diseases and other issues that affect bees. The findings improve scientific understanding of bees and help tailor strategies to improve bee health and welfare.

Researchers can apply for access at www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/our-work/research-projects/research-apiary/

Cover image details:
Back row: RATAC member Dr Theotime Colin from Macquarie University, RATAC member Dr Diana Leemon from the Wheen Bee Foundation, Wheen Bee Foundation Research Apiary Manager Kade Harrex, RATAC member Dr Robert Spooner-Hart from Western Sydney University, Michael Duncan from Western Sydney University, Prof. James Cook from Western Sydney University, Dr Nadine Chapman from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Lynn White, Bruce White, Wheen Bee Foundation Chair Peter Knoblanche.

Front row: Dr Casey Forster from Macquarie University, Dr Rodrigo Maldonado Cardenas from Macquarie University, Dr Darsh Rathnayake from Macquarie University, Dr Victor Desclos le Peley from Macquarie University, RATAC member Dr Emily Remnant from University of Sydney, Assoc. Prof. Fleur Ponton from Macquarie University, and Glenn Wealands from Rabobank.