The proWIN bee wagon: home for bee colonies and more

Two bee carts are currently in use in Saarland for the pro nature foundation: one of the carts serves as a mobile home for up to six bee colonies, which are always transported to the optimal feeding place. The second wagon is used for environmental workshops and presentations on the subject of bees, environmental education and honey production. Our workshops are aimed at everyone, from kindergartens to beekeepers' associations, and offer in-depth insights into the essential role of bees in agriculture and for our ecosystem.

In co-operation with Stefan Forster, an experienced beekeeper and owner of Geibs Imkerladen, we offer target group-specific presentations and workshops for all levels of understanding: Kindergartens, schools, beekeeping associations. We impart specialised knowledge about bees and honey production to specific target groups. Participants learn why bees are indispensable for agriculture and therefore also for our food supply. It is made clear how bee-friendly measures have a positive influence on the entire habitat.

Thanks to the mobile bee carts, several hundred kilograms of honey, including acacia and forest blossom honey, have already been produced. Two to three honey harvests can be carried out each year, whereby the weather and the local honey situation play a major role. The first harvest usually takes place in May, the second in June.

Our bee colonies are regularly checked for their health. Only healthy bees ‘travel’ with the wagon to ensure that the entire colony remains protected. A so-called ‘forage crown sample’, which is analysed by the veterinary office, provides information about the health of the brood.

The ‘Bee wagon’ pilot project was launched in Saarland in 2019, expanded there and has since been successfully rolled out to other regions in Germany and abroad. There are now 52 bee carts in use in Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Italy. These mobile apiaries provide a home for bee colonies and make it possible to transport them safely to regions with ideal foraging conditions. The project was made possible by the ‘VAT benefit for a good cause’ campaign in 2020 and makes an important contribution to species conservation and the promotion of bee-friendly environments.