Bees Between the Buildings
Keeping bees was once associated mainly with farms and villages, but hives can now be found on the roofs of offices, schools and hotels. Urban beekeepers say cities may provide a surprisingly good environment because parks and gardens contain many kinds of flowers. Bees can therefore find food over a longer period (9) ________ they might in areas dominated by a single crop. Anyone thinking of keeping a hive, however, needs to find (10) ________ about local rules and possible risks. It is also important to make (11) ________ that nearby residents are comfortable with the idea. A hive has to be inspected regularly so that illness can (12) ________ detected before it has a chance to spread. Beginners are often advised to work with an experienced beekeeper until they have become used (13) ________ handling the insects. Protective clothing is necessary, but calm behaviour matters just (14) ________ much. Bees rarely sting without a reason, and most city residents do not notice (15) ________ at all. If managed responsibly, a small number of hives can add (16) ________ the variety of urban wildlife.