Being a big brother or sister to animals and plants
Supposedly as the most evolved of animals we have a duty to look after the planet.
Be a big brother or sister to animals and plants.
I today wondered how we should view our relationship with plants and animals. Even though we often fail to live up to our potential, we are the most evolved species so far to walk upon this planet. In my opinion since we are the most advanced of the animal species, we are in a relationship of being like a big brother or sister to fellow animals and the plants on this planet. We have a duty of care to look after animals and plants like a big brother or sister. We are the stewards of our planet.
If we accept our responsibility as stewards, then we must enter the relationship with animals and plants with respect. Cute and beautiful our little brothers and sisters may be, but they are unpredictable and dangerous, with the capacity to do us harm. That which we will steward need the space and the opportunity to manifest their needs, so we need to develop strategies of co-existence and support to animals and plants.
A video on YouTube, a teaser for a nature documentary by the BBC on polar bears shows why animals and plants should be respected. A hungry mother polar bear attempted for 45 minutes to get at a human in a glass box in order to feed herself and her two cubs; all she was missing was a can opener. The BBC is famous for its nature documentaries, and this film will appear on BBC 2 on 7th Jan 2013; and for a short time after will be available on BBC iPlayer.
Sustainability action 4 : found location for beehive
My dream of being a beekeeper is for me a huge leap into the unknown. Fear and procrastination has dogged me, so my New Year resolution of “getting off the fence” by boldly going forward to do what needs to be done to achieve my dreams is now in play. Large challenges can be broken down into smaller stages, which makes them easier to achieve in small steps. A major obstacle was finding a location for a beehive. A neighbour has agreed to the location of one beehive on their land free of charge, the reward of me boldly taking the plunge and asking my neighbour if they would host my beehive.
As I have no experience of beekeeping I am only going to have one beehive this year, and learn through trial and error as the year progresses by looking after that beehive. Next challenge is putting together the funding for the equipment, bees and the beehive. As far as sustainability is concerned, looking after bees is putting energy back into the environmental energy system.
- Posted in: Nature ♦ Sustainablity
- Tagged: animals, bbc, be bold, beehive, beekeeper, bees, big sister, duckling, plants, polar bear, respect, stewardship. big brother
Well-done YOU! Bees are in danger, and need all the help they can get to thrive, without the Bees our crops would fail.. I wish you well with this.. a person in our allotments started keeping Bees two years ago and has been very successful.. I have made a date already in my diary for BBC 2
You know you would think we as Human Beings are the most advanced of Mother Natures species, but I doubt that very much, while we have managed to populate the earth like no other, we still can not fend for ourselves given the environments our animal kingdoms face…
Let us hope Alex that we can learn to live in Harmony with our animal brothers and let us also Hope that we first learn to live in harmony with ourselves..
Wishing you and yours a very Happy 2013 and may it bring you many blessings in everything you do
Sue
Hi Sue, this is a huge leap for me on so many levels to do beekeeping.
It is a tragedy that with all the gifts of creativity, intelligence and other attributes, humanity has squandered those gifts and destroys the planet upon which we all depend.
I dream of the day we can co-exist and be good stewards of animals and plants on this planet.
Thanks for your comment. I wish you too good health and prosperity going through 2013.
Thats a wonderful Dream, and keep hold of it.. we are co-creators with our Thoughts.. Keep them Positive and focused and amazing things happen!
Well said, I shall do that
[ Smiles ] In the meantime, you can read up on beekeeping and if you know of any beekeepers, you can ask them for some advice.
I will be joining my local beekeeping society. I am reading a book about beekeeping at the moment.
Ah, that’s a great idea. Must explore the idea of keeping bees here. Like you, have always wanted to do it.
There are so many good reasons for keeping bees. Have a go.
……………..and did they finally feed the Polar bears…….or just waste their time for 45 minutes? Nature shows can be wonderful, but that’s downright cruel.
Good luck with the bee keeping and good for you.
I shall watch the documentary when it becomes available on BBC iPlayer to find out. Polar bears have to work hard to feed themselves.
Hi Alex, A colleague at work used to look after a beehive (maybe he still does). If you want I could ask him about the challenges of beekeeping. Good luck with your project.
Hi phillipp, thanks for the offer, I follow at least two WordPress bloggers who regularly write about their beekeeping. It was those beekeepers that influenced me to want to become a beekeeper.
A beekeeper! That’s amazing. I would love to do that one day. I look forward to your reflections on it. In the States we have agricultural co-ops which often have resources or workshops on various subjects like beekeeping. Have you looked to see if such a thing exists in your hometown?
We have a beekeeping society in the area which I am sure will be a great help to a new future beekeeper like me.
Best of luck with your beekeeping. As the hive is on your neighbours land you will probably want to be extra watchful for signs of swarming. Once you have your hive in place, think about what you will do if they start producing queen cells. It may be a good idea to have a spare hive ready (extra expense I know) as you may need to act very quickly to prevent swarming.
Your local association is likely to be able to sell equipment cheaply, as they can buy in bulk. Ask around if any members are selling off second hand hives or produce good value new hives – it’s amazing how many beekeepers are also talented carpenters. Swarms are a free way to get bees if you are prepared to wait till summer and can get yourself on the association’s swarm list.
Hi Emily, thanks for making me aware of the potential hazard of swarming. The area this beehive will be located in is a built up residential area with a school nearby, swarming is something I need to be prepared to deal with quickly.
I telephoned the Colchester “Division” beekeeping contact today who was very helpful with contacts and information. They are starting a course for beginners this month which I will attend. As a total novice I really appreciate your tips, thank you!