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  • General Q&A, Bee chat and only Bee chat please
General Q&A, Bee chat and only Bee chat please
 #10010  by Sarah Allen
 16 Feb 2021, 18:21
My father, who kept bees for most of his life, passed away recently. He would like us to scatter his ashes amongst the bees. I have some questions which I hope someone will be able to help me with:
1. How close to the beehive would it be safe/sensible to scatter the ashes?
2. Is there a good time of year to do this?
3. Is there any chance we could contaminate the honey?
4. Are there any laws preventing us doing this?
5. Has anyone else had any experience of doing this?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
 #10012  by Patrick
 16 Feb 2021, 20:10
Sarah Allen wrote:My father, who kept bees for most of his life, passed away recently. He would like us to scatter his ashes amongst the bees. I have some questions which I hope someone will be able to help me with:
1. How close to the beehive would it be safe/sensible to scatter the ashes?
2. Is there a good time of year to do this?
3. Is there any chance we could contaminate the honey?
4. Are there any laws preventing us doing this?
5. Has anyone else had any experience of doing this?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Sarah

Very sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been a very difficult time for so many people.

I am in no way a specialist on such a topic but having had similar questions regarding my Mum last year, my thoughts are

1) it’s not the easiest of topics but a beekeeper tending the hives will be working within a ?? 6ft radius of each hive. I would personally scatter his ashes at a spot close by but not immediately next to the hives.

2) If those present are not wearing bee suits, a cold but not windy day would be best. That way the bees will be tucked up in their hives and not bother anyone.

3) No, I think that risk is virtually non-existent.

4) No, as long as you have the permission of the landowner.

5) Yes. Don’t pick windy days.

Hope it goes as well as it can and respects to your Dad.
 #10013  by Steve 1972
 16 Feb 2021, 20:41
Patrick has covered it in excellent depth..but did your Dear Father not have a favorite spot in his beloved apiary..maybe a chair/tree stump etc or a place he would sit and think about what his next move would be while viewing his colonies..or even a fence post he would lean on to go through some thought's..
Those would be my best choices.. and i bet your Father will be looking down on you now laughing at you if you choose to spread those ashes near to any hive entrances or flight paths..(not sure on bee temperament)..but i would go for a beloved spot in the apiary..
 #10015  by Alfred
 17 Feb 2021, 07:09
As above
He would have spent a lot of time at the back and sides of the hives ,which as previously said is safe at this time of year
 #10016  by Sarah Allen
 17 Feb 2021, 08:20
Thank you Steve, Alfred, and Patrick. It is reassuring that your thoughts mirror my own. I too, am a beekeeper, but live 3 hours away from his Apiary and wish to scatter his ashes close to his bees, rather than mine. Thank you all for your kind wishes - the funeral service was uplifting, and reflected his sense of humour, especially as he chose to enter the crematorium to "Flight of the Bumble Bee!"