What Bees Want: Beekeeping as Nature Intended

by Susan Knilans, Jacqueline Freeman

Susan Knilans and Jacqueline Freeman are in love with bees. So in love that they observe their bees—their work, communication, seasonal activity, and more—for hours each day. And with observation came when bees are allowed to live as they would in nature (with smaller hives, no chemicals, freedom to swarm, and little-to-no human interference), they will thrive. Accordingly, Knilans and Freeman have spent decades perfecting the revolutionary practice of preservation beekeeping, guided by the simple question, “What do the bees want?”
A surprising page-turner, this instructional book tells the story of their successes and failures, demonstrating what was learned along the way. Sharing preservation beekeeping’s key tenets, the authors provide concrete, simple ways to implement their approach, from finding the right hive location to honing observation skills. This preservation manifesto is a vital addition to any beekeeper’s library, imparting all the joys of a beekeeper's life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Rachael Easler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bees! Let the bees bee! So informative yet entertaining and inspiring.

[Clark Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Like another reviewer stated, it's like having a conversation with the authors about a subject everyone in the room is passionate about, bees! It really changed my attitude about beekeeping and I'm reevaluating how I want to start having known only the more "traditional" method focussed more on honey production than the welfare of the bee. Highly recommend to anyone thinking about beekeeping.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book about bees. I mean who would have thought right, but such an eye opener to me deserves a 5. The authors views totally translate through story as to just how lovable these little guys are. I was blown away by the clarity by which i pick up on the passion. I felt it.

To me the main gist of the book was as always to be mindful. How can you listen to nature if you aren't present in the moment? Listen, see, smell, feel and taste life. Its always on and always amazing if you just pay attention.

[Lisa Burrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am brand new to bee keeping and learning about what humans have done to bees and native pollinators has made me very sad. The mentor I have and also the state bee keeping association meeting I attended insist I must treat with chemicals and feed the hive with sugar water which is probably true for these bees. I may lose this hive since it will be weakened by these practices but I do hope once I take it over I can have the hands off approach and create a better environment with no chemicals. Other beekeepers act like this is crazy but I have met people who do it. I am glad to think there is a movement to make the honeybees stronger

[Dylan]

I have no intention or current means to keep bees, but I still enjoyed learning about the "hands off, eyes on" method of beekeeping presented in this book. This book was written in response to unhealthy trends (for the bees at least) that are common in beekeeping, which I was obviously unfamiliar with, and now I know much more about alternative bee hive design than I do about the industry standard (called the Langstroth - convenient for beekeepers, bad for bees). Though I'll probably never need the info, I am always grateful to spend time with someone who is as clearly passionate about what they do as Knilans and Freeman are.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Knilans and Jacqueline Freeman are in love with bees, and this book helped me fall more in love with bees, too. The authors have spent hundreds of hours in the presence of bees and share tips that invite new and veteran beekeepers to communicate and listen to these insects. The book offers practical ways to nurture the creatures, including what hive shape and plants bees like best. And even if readers don't nurture bees, we can learn small ways to change our daily habits as we encourage bee health and well-being.

[Victoria Haf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro lo lei porque según yo un dia tendré abejas jajaja, soy muy fan de Jaqueline Freeman porque es como psiquica de las abejas y habla con ellas, este es un libro más práctico en comparación con el anterior que era más de la filosofía de las abejas, ambos me gustaron pero él primero me cambió la forma de pensar en las abejas así que lo recomiendo más, este es para alguien que quiere empezar en la apicultura práctica

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A very compassionate look at bees and natural beekeeping. Susan and Jacqueline view bees as integral members of our environment and much more than mere makers of honey. A lot of what they teach could be incorporated into traditional backyard beekeeping. I have always taken a more natural and “hands off” approach to my bees and I’m looking for a log with which to invite a swarm of bees.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring. This book is a love letter to bees and teaching the beekeepers how to tend to them well. Many of my bee practices are going to turn towards preservation beekeeping after reading this. I’m so thankful they took the time to write this book and share their years worth of knowledge with us.

[slw]

I really like a lot of it and think there can be a balance struck between conventional and natural and regenerative. Humans will never stop harvesting honey so it would be better to find the best and healthiest way to do it instead of making it seem unethical.

[Stacy Hickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of natural beekeeping comes through on each page of this book. I am not sure if I will ever be able to have keep hives as Susan and Jaqueline. However, their understanding of the bee world allows me to connect to the hive from where I am.

[Shawna Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to enjoy in an afternoon. It felt like a conversation with the authors.

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had very, very limited knowledge of beekeeping overall. This book was so easy for a beginner to pick up and learn about beehives and beekeeping! I am obsessed. Will purchase for myself asap.

[Artemis Cienfuegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about beekeeping and bees from this book I know I would not be able to properly take care of bees, but this book makes me want to try

[Richard Ohlrogge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bees are critical

Bees are critical to our existence!! This book teaches you how to relate to their existence - it is up to you to assure their preservation!!

[Jessica Kadlec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and informative!

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bee keeping as nature intended, with lots of advice about what didn't work.

[Martin Damus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent description of another approach to beekeeping. Less commercial, more bee.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just bees. I think about this book almost every day.