‘Bee-Z’ for Royal Navy trainee helicopter pilot

Well done (or Bravo-Zulu as the naval signal goes) to Royal Navy trainee Merlin helicopter pilot Lieutenant Adam Pollock for creating a beekeeping club at his air station.

The new club was set up at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, following a donation for hives and kit by the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.

Two hives have now been placed in a quiet corner of the air station and populated with upwards of 120,000 bees.

Lt Pollock, who is an experienced beekeeper, is currently training with Merlin Helicopter Force on 824 Naval Air Squadron. Pictured with him is Survival Equipment Technician James Harrison, who is also a member of the popular beekeeping club.

Captain Stuart Irwin, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said: “We are fortunate in having Lieutenant Pollock, whose enthusiasm and expertise has been instrumental in setting up this club. I am pleased to say it’s been well supported by both military and civilian personnel.

“There are obvious environmental benefits in encouraging bees and this club complements other green initiatives here at RNAS Culdrose. This year we’ve planting more than 6,000 trees and we are reviewing our energy efficiency across the air station.

“It’s also important to point out that there are a large number of our people who live onboard, and having a clubs and activities for them to enjoy in their free time is important for their welfare and morale.”

The project has also been supported by West Cornwall Beekeeping Club and Defra’s National Bee Unit.