Very Natural Beekeeping In Scotland

Working With Bees instead of Managing Bees. In this episode, Eric takes us across the pond to southwest Scotland for a heartfelt conversation with Titanilla Kiss, a natural beekeeper originally from Budapest, Hungary.

Tita shares her journey from hospitality to beekeeping, the mentorship that shaped her early days, and how she now tends her colonies in the challenging, ever-changing Scottish climate. With a philosophy rooted in observation, respect, and balance, she blends natural remedies, herbal tonics, and even mushroom extracts into her beekeeping practice—all while honoring the bees’ resilience and life cycles.

🌼 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The unique challenges (and beauty) of keeping bees near the Atlantic coast in Scotland.
• Native dark honeybees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and why they thrive in stormy, wet climates.
• Why Tita phased out wooden hives in favor of insulated poly hives.
• Her approach to natural beekeeping: observation over intervention, and support with herbal teas instead of harsh chemicals.
• The role of propolis tinctures, herbs, and mushroom extracts in bee health.
• Reflections on loss, resilience, and the parallels between her work as a beekeeper and a death doula.
• The ceremonial aspects of beekeeping—from smoke rituals to honoring the natural cycles of life and death.

It's all about having fun while we learn about beekeeping and sharing the love of honey bees!

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Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/026aYtckv_M

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Mann Lake! https://www.mannlakeltd.com/

Mann Lake discount code: MLBEELOVE10 for $10 off your first $100 order.

https://www.beelovebeekeeping.com/

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Tita's Herbal Bee Tea Recipe: https://ko-fi.com/s/3604006d32