A community apiary is a shared beekeeping space where people come together to care for bees, connect with nature, and support each other.

At Project Apis CIC, our apiaries are welcoming, inclusive places designed for everyone — especially those who may face barriers to traditional volunteering or support. Whether you're learning how to tend a hive, planting wildflowers, or simply enjoying time outdoors, our spaces offer a calm, purposeful environment rooted in care and connection.

What makes our apiaries different is that they’re focused on people as much as bees. We work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, recovering from addiction, feeling isolated, or looking to rebuild confidence. Every activity is supported by trained facilitators and tailored to individual needs.

We are committed to making these opportunities free and accessible to all. No prior experience is needed, and we provide everything required to take part safely and comfortably.

Community apiaries are about more than honey — they’re about hope, growth, and being part of something positive.

Our community apiaries are open to anyone who would benefit from time outdoors, learning new skills, and being part of a supportive group.

We especially welcome individuals who:

Are experiencing mental health challenges

Are in recovery from substance use

Feel isolated or disconnected from their community

Are unemployed or looking for meaningful ways to build confidence

Want to try something new in a low-pressure, welcoming environment

You don’t need any beekeeping experience — just curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to take part. Whether you come alone, with a support worker, or as part of a group, we’ll meet you where you’re at.

There’s more to beekeeping than just bees! Volunteers can get involved in a wide range of hands-on, nature-based, and creative activities, depending on their interests and comfort level.

Here are just a few examples:

🐝 Beekeeping – observe or assist during hive inspections and learn about bee care

🌻 Pollinator planting – help create and maintain wildlife-friendly gardens

🍯 Honey harvesting – assist with uncapping frames and spinning honey (seasonal)

🕯️ Beeswax crafts – make candles and other natural products from hive materials

🧽 Apiary care – support with light maintenance, cleaning, or painting

🎨 Creative tasks – design signs, prepare welcome packs, or help with community displays

👥 Community events – help us share our work through local stalls, open days, or workshops

We tailor tasks to suit each volunteer’s ability, pace, and preferences — always with guidance and support available.

We know that starting something new can feel daunting — especially if you’re managing mental health challenges, recovering from a difficult period, or stepping into a group for the first time. That’s why every aspect of our volunteer programme is built around inclusivity, flexibility, and care.

Here’s how we make sure everyone feels supported:

🌼 A Gentle, Flexible Approach - There’s no pressure to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You can go at your own pace, take breaks whenever you need to, and choose the kinds of tasks that feel right for you.

🧠 Trauma-Informed and Mental Health Aware - Our team is trained to understand and support people with a wide range of needs. We create calm, low-stress environments where people feel safe and respected.

🛠️ Fully Equipped and Accessible - We provide all tools, safety gear, and materials. We do our best to make our spaces physically accessible, and can offer adjustments to meet individual needs.

🗣️ One-to-One Guidance - New volunteers receive a friendly induction and ongoing support from staff or peer mentors. You’ll never be left to figure things out on your own.

🌍 A Place to Belong - Many of our volunteers say the apiary feels like a peaceful escape — a place where they can be themselves, connect with others, and contribute to something meaningful.

We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds — whether you’re exploring something new, looking for structure and support, or just want to spend more time outdoors.

There are a few simple ways to get involved:

▶️ Apply through Cultural Connections

If you're connected with Cultural Connections, speak to your support worker or visit culturalconnectionsvolunteering.org.uk to apply as a volunteer. Project Apis CIC is proud to partner with them to offer accessible, supported placements at our apiaries.

📩 Contact Us Directly

Not linked with any organisations? No problem. Just reach out to us via our Contact page, email, or social media. We’ll guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you have.

👥 Referring Someone?

Support workers, charities, and health professionals are welcome to make referrals. We’re happy to arrange an initial visit, tour, or informal chat to see if the space is a good fit.

All sessions are free to attend, and we provide all equipment, safety gear, and refreshments.

Our first and flagship site is Gorleston Apiary, located in a quiet, green space in Gorleston-on-Sea. This is where we host most of our regular volunteering sessions, workshops, and events.

We’re also working with local partners to establish new community apiaries across Norfolk, so more people can access the benefits of beekeeping and nature-based volunteering

A list of our Community Apiaries can be found HERE

Each site is designed to be:

Easy to access

Quiet and calming

Equipped for both beginners and experienced volunteers

We’ll share new locations and updates on our [News & Updates] page as they launch.