A German schoolboy who is a passionate beekeeper has warned keeping hives comes with obligations that cannot be neglected.
Nico Breitenstein started managing honeybees one and a half years ago.
The 14-year-old – who lives in the small town of Sonsbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia – told NewsX: “I’ve been astonished by the many different things you have to care about.”
Nico emphasised: “Beekeeping takes a lot of time, especially from spring to autumn. I have to say I underestimated that in the beginning.”
The leisure-time apiarist admitted: “When I started, I kind of assumed that you don’t have to do much as the bees are getting the job done.”
The honey of his four colonies and beeswax candles are available online.
From time to time, the ambitious apiarist teams up with fellow beekeepers from his region to offer their products at local markets.
Asked by NewsX whether there have ever been any extraordinary orders, Nico revealed: “I recently filled 48 small jars with honey for a wedding. They were used as a small present for all the attendants.”
Reflecting on the past weeks, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed spending my time outside.
“The Lower Rhine region, that’s where I live, is beautiful. I’m in our garden a lot and with the bees, of course.”
Nico – who got into beekeeping by coming along with a beekeeper who lives nearby – emphasised: “Spending time outside and working at the hives is way more exciting than sitting in front of the computer all day.”
Numerous reports and studies have shown a growing awareness of ecological concerns among young and old.
NewsX asked Nico what all of us could do to protect the environment.
He explained: “People can plant tomatoes and other fruit, vegetables and flowers. This would help to avoid too much food being shipped here from faraway countries.”
Nico added: “And they should not pave their gardens but plant shrubs and bushes.”
The beekeeping engagement of Nico – who manages his hives all on his own – has gained considerable attention on social media.
He recently even welcomed a reporter from leading broadcaster RTL at his apiary, which is situated in a friend’s backyard.
Nico told NewsX: “This was exciting. I have to admit that I was quite nervous.”
However, beekeeping isn’t always plain sailing. Apiarists in Central Europe are increasingly concerned about the spreading of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), a dangerous predator which kills and eats domesticated honeybees.
Nico admitted: “I’m concerned about the Asian hornet. Luckily, my hives haven’t been affected yet.”
Nico – whose mum is highly supportive and proud – harvests 30 to 35 kilogrammes of honey per colony each year.
Asked by NewsX about his future plans, he said: “I’m really happy with how things are going. I want to continue that way and maybe expand my apiary a bit.
“Having my own space to extract the honey would be nice.”
Nico added: “I haven’t made up my mind yet regarding a possible profession. But I’m sure it will most certainly have to do with nature and agriculture.”
