Home sweet Loganholme for rescued native bees

Native bees rescued from unsuitable locations are getting a second chance to support the environment in Loganholme’s Alexander Clark Park.

There are now 4 hives in tree stumps across the park that support up to 10,000 of the little black stingless bees (Tetragonula Hockingsi).

The value of the native bees is not for producing honey (a hive will make less than a kilogram each year). The bees help pollinate the many native trees and shrubs across the park.

Urban Native Bees owner Ocean Wemyss, who rescued and supplied the bees for the park, says hives are often found in water meter boxes, on suburban footpaths and in trees knocked down in storms.

‘It’s a complicated process to rescue and then rehome the bees, but the hives in the park were rescued 2 years ago and are now well established.

The native bees have been checked on regularly and the ones in Alexander Clark Park look to be very much enjoying their new homes,’ Ocean says.

Division 10 Councillor Miriam Stemp says the 4 hives were installed as part of the multi-stage upgrade of Alexander Clark Park.

‘The project includes the installation of educational signs next to the hives to teach visitors to the park the important role that native bees play in our delicate ecosystems,’ Cr Stemp says.

‘There are 3 hives in open spaces adjacent to the main playground, while the other one is near the popular Sensory Garden to ensure it continues to thrive and flourish.’

PHOTO AT TOP: Cr Stemp points to the entry hole to one of the new native beehives in Alexander Clark Park, while Ocean Wemyss holds one of her hardwood hives.