Green Sustainability and Project Apis CIC – Growing Community, Confidence and Biodiversity Together
More Than Just Bees: The Impact of Shared Purpose
Beekeeping isn’t usually the first thing people associate with mental wellbeing, social connection, or community regeneration. But at Project Apis CIC, it’s exactly where these things begin.
We’ve seen time and again how a simple beehive can bring people together, provide a sense of purpose, and create positive change in places that need it most. Whether it’s a volunteer rediscovering routine and confidence, or a group of schoolchildren learning how pollinators support our planet, something remarkable happens when people connect through nature.
And thanks to the support of organisations like Green Sustainability, we’re able to do even more of this important work across Norfolk.
About Project Apis CIC
Project Apis CIC is a not-for-profit organisation based in Norfolk. Our work centres on establishing inclusive community apiaries—accessible beekeeping sites where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn new skills, and experience the calming, purposeful nature of working with bees.
Many of our volunteers come to us through wellbeing referrals, community groups, or word of mouth. Some are recovering from illness or trauma. Others are simply looking for something meaningful to be part of. What unites them is the way beekeeping helps them slow down, focus, and re-engage.
We provide training, equipment, ongoing support, and a warm, welcoming space to participate—regardless of experience, background, or ability.
Green Sustainability’s Role in Supporting Our Vision
Earlier this year, Green Sustainability generously featured our work in their blog: “Green Sustainability Supports Project Apis CIC: Cultivating Wellness, Community & Pollinators in Norfolk.” Their recognition was more than a kind gesture—it helped us reach new audiences and form valuable connections with individuals and organisations who share our values.
By shining a light on the environmental and social benefits of our approach, Green Sustainability amplified our voice and reaffirmed the idea that sustainability is as much about people as it is about planet. It’s about building spaces that nurture biodiversity while improving human wellbeing—and that’s exactly what our apiaries aim to do.
Their support has also had a tangible impact, helping us:
Launch new apiaries in underused green spaces, including school grounds and churchyards
Offer free, fully-equipped beekeeping sessions to over 40 regular volunteers
Deliver outreach projects such as hive painting workshops, beeswax candle-making, and wildflower planting days with community groups and care homes
Art, Nature, and Community Spirit
Beyond the bees themselves, our work includes a range of creative and hands-on activities designed to foster inclusion and local pride. Our painted hive program, for example, has brought together schoolchildren, care home residents, and artists to decorate beehives with colour, meaning, and personality. Each hive becomes a community emblem—both functional and symbolic.
We also hold seasonal events, gardening days, and informal workshops to help people connect not only with nature but with each other.
And as Green Sustainability rightly pointed out in their article, this grassroots approach to environmental action is exactly what builds lasting community resilience.
Looking Ahead
With more apiary sites planned, increasing demand from local groups, and growing interest from the wider sustainability sector, we’re optimistic about what lies ahead. But we also know that none of this is possible without partnership.
Organisations like Green Sustainability help grassroots projects like ours grow from something local and hopeful into something sustainable, structured, and replicable.
Join Us
If you’re interested in supporting our work—whether through funding, volunteering, or partnership—we’d love to hear from you. Every hive we build is a step toward a greener, more connected community.
Because sometimes, real change starts with something as small as a bee—and someone willing to care for it.
📍 To learn more or get involved, visit www.project-apis.co.uk or email info@project-apis.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and photos from our apiaries around Norfolk.
