New course in South Liverpool is creating a ‘real buzz’ at LJLA

South Liverpool residents are buzzing about a new course that is taking place on land owned by Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) and proving to be an innovative way of tackling worklessness and isolation in the area.

Local residents have embarked on a beekeeping course delivered through a partnership between South Liverpool Homes, training organisation Blackburne House and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which aims to enhance the employability of residents by learning new skills, increasing their health and wellbeing, whilst having a positive impact on their environment.

Around 60 residents are expected to participate on the 6 week course which is being delivered by a beekeeping expert from Blackburne House and taking place on unused land at the Airport outside of the operational airfield that would otherwise only be put to limited use. The land has been transformed into an apiary that now houses 15 hives, with South Liverpool Homes funding the essential equipment needed to deliver the course - including the hives, the bees and protective gear.

Andrew Dutton, Head of Environment at Liverpool John Lennon Airport commented, ”This is a great scheme from an environmental perspective and the Airport has been only too happy to provide a home for 15 bee hives on land that we own as part of our Community Plan to enhance our local community engagement.

Honey bees have experienced a worrying decline over recent years but courses like this will both help to revive the local bee population and assist those individuals participating to find a path back into employment.”

Joe Cummings, Enterprise Manager at South Liverpool Homes said: “With the Airport’s help, this is a great example of partnership working at its best and we’re delighted that local residents have taken up this fantastic opportunity.

The course aims to provide re-socialisation, a network of friends and additional qualifications which will help bring local residents closer to the labour market and away from welfare dependency.”

Beekeepers siting the 15 hives on Liverpool John Lennon Airport land.