Beekeeping

As part of LSE's policy to enhance biodiversity on the School estate there are five urban bee colonies on the rooftops of Connaught House and Passfield Hall. Bees are the world's most important pollinator of food crops, and play a key role in sustaining life of earth. As Einstein wisely put it: "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then Man would only have four years of life left."

Passfield Hall bees

The hives on Passfield Hall are raising awareness about biodiversity and the plight of the bee amongst staff, students and vacation guests.The project was initiated by LSE Residences, the LSE Sustainability Team, and is supported by the LSE SU. It was financed by the School's Sustainable Project's Fund.

Connaught House bees

There are now three hives on the rooftop of Connaught House, taking advantage of the brown roof  and otehr local parks and gardens which are a source of food for the bees.

The hives were financed by the LSE Sustainable Projects Fund, and are cared for by the LSE Beekeeping Society bee expert Dr Luke Dixon and student and staff volunteers.

The LSE Beekeeping Society is open for all on campus who are interested in learning about urban beekeeping and honey tasting.

Community beekeeping

The LSE beehives are registered with the National Bee Unit's 'BeeBase', which helps track the national distribution of beehives and the spread of pests, as well as providing beekeepers with a wide range of free information to help keep their honey bees healthy. 

For more information check out Capital Bee who promote community-run beekeeping in London and campaigns for a bee-friendly city. It is supported by the Mayor of London and funded by London Food as part of Capital Growth.