A new home for the Yanmar Bee Project
Two new honeybee colonies are settling into a new location at Yanmar Europe’s premises in Almere. Their arrival marks a new phase of the Yanmar Bee Project and reflects our commitment to supporting biodiversity close to home.
Yanmar Europe launched the Bee Project in 2020, following the creation of flower gardens by employees in 2019. The initiative was inspired by Yanmar headquarters’ support for the Osaka Honeybee Project and contributes to our ambition of creating a sustainable future.
A more sheltered location
Together with our beekeeper, we selected a more sheltered location that offers better protection from wind and changing weather. The shelters are also closer to the office, making it easier to monitor the colonies and involve employees. Our beekeeper will regularly assess the bees’ health and development.
Each colony can grow to between 40,000 and 60,000 honeybees during the summer.
Preparing the bee garden
Employee volunteers prepared the new home by working the ground, moving the shelters and raking flower seeds into the soil. The flowers will provide food for bees and other pollinators. Yanmar also plans to plant more flowers around the office to improve the habitat for bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects.
Small creatures, big impact
Bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects are essential to healthy ecosystems. By carrying pollen between flowers, they help plants reproduce and support biodiversity and food production. Providing suitable habitats is a practical way to support nature around our office.
Seeing the colonies up close helps employees understand how bees live, produce honey and why they need support. As one volunteer said, “This project gives me the opportunity to learn more about bees and see first-hand how important they are to nature.”
Step by step to a sustainable future
With regular care, employee involvement and plans for more flowers, the Yanmar Bee Project will continue to support nature in Almere. It is one of the practical ways Yanmar contributes to a sustainable future, one bee at a time.
