I was born in Bavaria where I trained as a conference interpreter, subsequently emigrated to England to work for the UK government in defence, international relations and law. When children came into my life, I studied anthroposophy and trained as a teacher. A fortuitous encounter at church led to an interest in bees and biodynamic agriculture. I am a co-founder and trustee of the Natural Beekeeping Trust and find immense interest in the company of bees, sheep and horses. I hope that we will learn to do justice to the bees in the ways we live on this earth. It would be sad to live in a bee silent world. 

​​

Abstract(s) for Parallel Sessions

​​

Natural Selection (Day 1)

I have kept bees for 20 years. Following incisive encounters with both bees and the beekeeping establishment I stopped treating my bees against varroa in 2004 and concentrated on establishing ways (by reference to science and intuition) to support “my” bees in becoming adapted to their environment. I will  describe how this led me to cease beekeeping in favour of observing and supporting bees’ natural life style, including the provision of forage and appropriate nesting places for honeybees.

​​​

​