Honey was first discovered by humans over 10,000 years ago. The first evidence pointing to this was the discovery of paintings in caves located in Spain. The ancient Egyptians used it as a sweetener and was not to be found in the America's, Australia, or New Zealand until introduced in the early 17th century by the first European settlers. Today the Honey Bee is a protected species and the honey is appreciated for its health and well-being properties. Celebrating World Honey Bee Day here today, in the U.S.A September is National Honey Month and October is the National Honey Show. Discover more about the incredible World of Honey.
Discover More about The World Of The Honey Bee
The Honey Bee
Since Winnie The Pooh, the UK has fallen in love with honey. The classic sweet stories were written by A.A. Milne in 1926. Time proved it to be a sticky situation with the release of Goodbye Christopher Robin. Today we consume more than 36,000 tonnes of honey and more than 40% is imported into the UK.
The world would not be the same without the humble Bee. Discover the important role the Bee plays as a major pollinator.
Stories are great educators if you have children and looking for a fun and entertaining afternoon movie - Time to bee-happy with Barry the Bee.
The Bee Movie
Winnie The Pooh & Friends
It wouldn't be the same without telling you about the joy of Winnie The Pooh. After a year of professional conservation treatment, Winnie The Pooh and Friends returned to the New York Public Library in 2016. It's extraordinary that after 70 years, the teddy bought from Harrods still stands and is on display. When visiting, follow the signs inside the library for the children's area.
Winnie The Pooh & Friends ©MDHarding
Honey
The best-purchased honey is locally sourced as over 40% of the honey in the UK is imported, treated/pasteurized, and diluted. It's also widely known that if you suffer from hay fever you can minimise the outbreaks by consuming locally sourced honey.
If you are in Scotland, or the most northern part of England I can highly recommend;
Located in central Perthshire, Scotland the award-winning honey is one not to be missed! Established in 1945, the family-run business now has 1300 hives across Perthshire and Deeside. You can find out more about not just Scottish honey but also the best honey from around the world and preservatives via: www.heatherhills.co.uk
Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, it's a little haven of beauty with its very own beehives. They sell a wide range of herbs, plants, and now gin! A great place for a wee cup of herbal tea and a homemade slice of cake.
Planning a road trip to North Berwick or surrounding areas? Why not visit Chain Bridge Honey Farm. The visitor centre and garden have now re-opened. A beautiful setting and an ideal place to visit with all the family.
or perhaps you would like to go one stage further and keep your own bees? Discover more on an Introductory Bee Keeping Course.
Once you have your own Bees you can then make your own honey!
Discover more about Honey and Preserves by Fortnum & Mason
Nepal
The last nomadic tribe of Nepal - Guranga Tribe, still harvest honey in the traditional and ancient way. Risking their life by climbing handmade rope ladders on the steep and inaccessible slopes of the Himalayan foothills.
In Chitwan, you can also see the collection of Honey containing the nectar, from jungle flowers.
Thuru Village, Chitwan ©MDHarding
Bee Products
With Christmas just around the corner, here are some delightful and delicious Bee products.
These lovely candles can be purchased at Heather Hills Farm, Perthshire. This time of year makes the perfect time to visit. The colours of the trees are changing and become vibrant with autumnal colours. There are some scenic walks along the River Tummel and don't miss Queen's View. Also, you might be interested in visiting Pitlochry for Enchanted Forest.
Honey Chocolate
I couldn't forget to mention chocolate. Did you know there is a Chocolate made with honey? Coco based in Edinburgh makes artisan chocolate. Delicious!
Honey Ice Cream
Chain Bridge Honey Farm located just outside Berwick-Upon-Tweed is a great place to visit, with a wealth of information on bees, quality skin range, and other beeswax products available including Heather Honey Ice Cream. There is also a lovely walk that takes you to the Union Bridge or also known as the Union Chain Bridge. It's the oldest suspension bridge still carrying traffic. On your return enjoy a slice of delicious cake in the vintage bus cafe.
Hiver Beer
Hiver Beer is putting the bee into beer, one of the fastest-growing craft beers. Their hive is a buzz of activity located in London.
Fancy a Hiver Experience or maybe an early Father's Day purchase? Don't hang around they're flying off the shelves!
©Hiver Beers Ltd
Health and Beauty Product
Bee-autiful honey is renowned for its medicinal properties but did you know that there are also beauty treats?
Lipsticks and more
Burts Bees does a wide range of products including face, body, and also baby care. This winter why not use lipsticks that love you back. A moisturiser and lipstick in one!
Hair Masks
After a cold weather spell, my scalp got really dry and sensitive. So I was excited and ready for some pampering. I was a little dubious by all the claims on the outside of the packaging but I didn't have anything to lose. The packaging is a little difficult to open with wet hands but once opened, the smooth creamy textured lotion is applied to your already washed locks. It has a lovely smell of honey and a cooling effect on the scalp. There didn't seem to be enough to go around but what I did get out, I put on my already winter dried sensitive scalp and roots. After 5 minutes it was time to rinse. It was glorious! Very soft and squeaky clean. I left my locks to dry naturally as really dry after the cold weather and hairdryer. You can't really smell the honey after the hair is dry and I was really surprised to see how smooth it has left my hair.
This hair mask not only smells divine it moisturises, softens, and left my long locks gloriously glossy.
If you already have honey and would like to add your own essential oils try rosemary or lavender for a super sweet scent.
Cotton & Grey Relaxation Bees Wax Candles
It's time for yourself. These little candles made of pure beeswax are a reminder to take time to enjoy the present moment, be mindful and relax. You can read my full review on Cotton & Grey relaxation candles.
You can now buy a number of different products from face masks to mobile phone cases on my Red Bubble site with the above image and more.
What do you think of this bee happy duvet set?
The End
Is it The End? Have you seen Goodbye Christopher Robin? I love a good story.
I hope you have enjoyed reading The World Of Honey. If you are inspired and would like to Support bees and the local community please visit the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) or your local farmers markets.
As always, I would love to hear from you. Please email any questions/comments to enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com
Wishing you health and happiness. If you can't bee-good, bee-careful:) x