How Beekeeping Is Helping Young People Beat Anxiety and Reconnect With Nature

The Healing Power of the Hive

For most teenagers, hobbies revolve around screens or sports. But for a growing number of young people in Shropshire, it is the gentle hum of a beehive that is making the biggest difference — not just to their leisure time, but to their mental health and personal growth.

One Teenager's Journey Back to School

Jenson, 17, from Four Crosses in Powys, spent four years away from mainstream education after the coronavirus pandemic took a serious toll on his mental health. Struggling with anxiety and depression as he approached his teens during Year 8, his mother Donna made the decision to home school him — a choice she stands by completely.

"The hardest thing for any parent is watching their child suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and a reluctance to socialise," Donna reflected. "Taking him out of school was honestly the best decision I could have made."

Rather than following a rigid structure, Donna allowed Jenson to explore life at his own pace. That freedom led him to volunteer with the Shropshire Beekeepers' Association, where he discovered an unexpected passion that would ultimately change the course of his life.

Today, Jenson tends to two hives kept at his grandparents' home in Minsterley. The focus required to care for bees, he says, has given him something few other activities could offer — a way to quiet his racing thoughts.

"When I'm down there looking at the bees, that's all I'm thinking about," he explained. "It helps clear your mind and puts you in a better headspace when it comes to life in general."

With renewed confidence and a sense of purpose, Jenson eventually returned to mainstream schooling after his four-year absence — a milestone his family attributes in large part to his beekeeping journey.

"I've spent a lot of time out in the countryside, and beekeeping has genuinely helped me grow as a person," he said.

His family has embraced the hobby alongside him. Both his mother and grandmother have acquired protective suits and regularly join him to check on the hives, providing a shared experience that has brought the family closer together.

A School Club Sparking a New Generation of Beekeepers

Jenson's story is far from unique in the region. At Newport Girls' High School Academy (NGHS) in Shropshire, a thriving after-school beekeeping club is introducing a new generation of young people to the craft.

Founded and run by chemistry teacher Justin Wade, the club maintains its own apiary and typically draws around eight dedicated pupils at any given time. Members don't just learn how to handle bees — they explore the science, biology, and broader environmental significance of these remarkable insects.

From School Club to Life Ambition

Evelyn, 16, from Edgmond, has been a member of the club since it launched three years ago. She admits beekeeping would never have crossed her mind had the school not offered it, but it has since become a meaningful part of her life.

"It takes up a lot of time, but it's really important for people my age to get outside and engage with the natural environment," she said. "We live in Shropshire — it's beautiful — and we should absolutely be making the most of it."

For Evelyn, the bees provide a calm, grounding experience that she hopes to carry well into adulthood. So much so that when researching potential universities, she now actively checks whether they have beekeeping facilities on campus.

"It's strange, I know, but it genuinely factors into my decision," she laughed. "When I'm older, I'd love to have my own bees. I suppose that's the kind of hobby you grow into when you finally have the time."

Young, Curious, and Buzzing With Enthusiasm

Elizabeth, 13, from Knightley near Gnossal, joined the NGHS club when she started at the school in Year 7. Having already completed some beekeeping assessments beforehand, and with her family keeping bees at home, she arrived with a head start — and an insatiable curiosity.

Her first term in the club coincided with autumn, when cooler temperatures made direct hive work limited. Rather than idle time, the group channelled their energy into candle-making, building frames, and studying melissopalynology — the scientific analysis of pollen and other pollinators found in honey.

"Bees are honestly fascinating when you really think about it," Elizabeth said. "The structure of the hive, the way they communicate and work together — it's just so cool."

Why Beekeeping Matters for Young People

Across both personal stories and school programmes, a clear theme emerges: beekeeping offers young people something increasingly rare — a reason to step away from digital distractions, spend time outdoors, and engage with the natural world in a hands-on, meaningful way.

The mindfulness element is hard to ignore. Whether it is Jenson finding relief from anxiety through focused hive management, or Evelyn discovering a calming ritual that she wants to carry into university life, the benefits appear to extend well beyond a simple hobby.

As Evelyn noted, finding young people who are passionate about beekeeping can be challenging — but those who do discover it rarely look back.