The Bee Cello - a unique B-GOOD inspired and supported installation is now available to see for visitors of Holme Pierrepont Hall, Nottingham, UK.

The cello, which is home to over 20,000 local honey bees can now be seen by visitors on days when the gardens are open to the public.

Photo: An installation by Dr. Martin Bencsik at the Holme Pierrepont Hall, Nottingham, UK.

The credits for the unique installation goes to Dr Martin Bencsik, who ​originally came up with the idea of using a cello as a hive, after working for a year with Wolfgang Buttress, the Nottingham modern artist responsible for creating the multi-sensory sculpture 'The Hive' at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. 

Part of Martin's work is to study the sound and vibrations made by bees and as his wife is a professional cellist, it was a natural thought to consider using a cello as a hive.  Up until recently, Martin had the cello in his garden in West Bridgford. 

Holme Pierrepont Hall is believed to be the perfect setting for the hives, because of the estate's proximity near Nottingham and currently hosts nine colonies in total, including the Bee Cello.

The Nottingham Trent University contribution to the B-Good project is coordinated by local expert, Dr. Martin Bencsik, who is responsible for looking after the apiary.

Martin says, "Honey bees are quite lazy in nature and don't travel far unnecessarily. They fly as little as possible and typically stay within a 3 mile radius of the hive. Only 10% of the hive will forage daily - even on a busy day, but this still represents 36 thousand bees contributing to pollination in Holme Pierrepont's neighbourhood.

Find out more: https://www.holmepierreponthall.com/the-bee-cello.html