So before I dive into exactly how I give back to my local community, I'll assume that you don't know who I am, or what I do.

I'm a beekeeper, and have been beekeeping since I was around 14.

Now, I don't just look after my 3 colonies of bees, but I also blog for one of the largest online beekeeping communities... So I'm very lucky to be surrounded by both experienced and aspiring beekeepers.

It's a community where the experienced beekeepers are open and honest regarding their advice for newer beekeepers, which is a way in which they give back.

With that being said, it's important to note that beekeeping in winter is simply not possible, if you respect your hive. This is your bees rely on the hive's physical protection from the cold weather, and the collection of honey as food to survive.

It's expected that the overall winter survival rate for colonies is around 91.5%, and so this is exactly why we try to educate our readers on preparing their hives before winter.

So, how exactly do I give back?

Well, whilst the summer period is in full swing, I'll take a fair amount of honey from the hives, knowing full well that they have more than enough in stock, and time to get more before the winter period.

I usually jar this honey and take it to local food banks around my area, helping to give back to the elderly and homeless.

They're all usually so greatful, and it really puts a smile on their faces to get a lovely jar of honey... It looks so delicious and surely tastes even better.

Yes, it's short and sweet... But that's how I use my hobby and full-time career to give back to the local community.

Not to mention, we write some fantastic articles on the website, teaching people how to start a beehive, which you can read here.

I hope that you enjoyed my post!