Researchers have explored how beekeeping and time spent outdoors have benefited mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Karin Alton and Professor Francis Ratnieks of the Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects have published an open-access article which examines how the pandemic has affected those interested in keeping bees and spending time in nature.

Using personal stories and examples from research, beekeeping groups, communities and the NHS, the researchers investigate whether and why beekeeping and time spent outdoors has benefited mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.

To collect the material for the article, the researchers searched academic journals, investigated news articles and corresponded with relevant organisations and Facebook groups as well as individual beekeepers.

Dr Karin Alton said: “The benefits of beekeeping have been well documented over the years and as we enter the decade dramatically marred by Covid-19, many of the therapeutic benefits to mental health have become clearer. In researching for this article, the value of sitting quietly has been repeatedly voiced. Being quiet and contemplative features in many aspects of mindfulness; a valuable tool in alleviating mental health problems such as depression, trauma and anxiety and in many ways keeping bees can be described as a mindful, meditative activity. This has been particularly helpful for people during such difficult times.”

In addition to mindfulness, the article also notes the value of the social and community aspects of beekeeping and other outdoor hobbies, with opportunities to connect with others being essential to good mental health.

The Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects (LASI) studies honey bees and other social insects. Their applied research is aimed at helping the honey bee and beekeepers and they offer useful bee related resources.

 ‘Can Beekeeping Improve Mental Wellbeing during Times of Crisis?’ is published in Bee World.