How to Bee

Brookfield farm is set within the beautiful landscape of Co. Tipperary. Here we talk with Ailbhe Gerrard about sustainable farming, delicious wildflower honey and beeswax candles.

- Ailbhe Gerrard

WHEN DID YOUR LOVE OF HONEY BEGIN?

When I started farming, I became aware that when you produce food you are really reliant on the underlying health of the soil and the network of life on that farm. I studied organic agriculture for three years in Scotland and I became more and more interested in pollinators and the web of life that produces food. And honey really is part of this interest. originally, I asked a beekeeper to put hives on the farm and then I did a course in beekeeping and asked a mentor for help. I’ve been really grateful for and lucky with the support I’ve received in beekeeping. I’m a member of a local beekeeping group and also the Native Irish Honey Bee Society. I keep the Irish black bees which are identified as a separate species to the European honeybee. My next step is learning more about natural beekeeping, and prioritising the health of bees over honey production.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BACKGROUND TO BROOKFIELD FARM?