FOR most people, a severe allergy to bee stings would mean steering clear of hives – but not for Rebecca Ashwell.
Rebecca is part of Munch & Crunch Generation, a Redlands-based initiative she runs with her husband Matthew to promote the joys of gardening and beekeeping.
“Munch and Crunch Generation began following our realisation of our own improved mental health from being outside and in the garden,” Matthew said.
“We then wanted to assist others and share our experiences.”
Their mission? To dispel the notion that gardening is for the older generations or that it is not a worthy pursuit.
“We strongly feel that gardens are the hub of households and community,” Matthew said.
“Sharing experiences, cultures, recipes and histories brings people together.”
Beekeeping has come with its challenges, particularly the unexpected hurdles posed by Rebecca’s severe allergy to bee stings.
Matthew explained that Rebecca’s allergic reaction was discovered at an especially challenging time – just as she was preparing to breed their own queens and focus on hive genetics.
“As Rebecca is a medical scientist, she was particularly disappointed that she would have to reduce her exposure and step away from hands-on hive work,” he said.
Matthew said managing Rebecca’s risk was a constant task.
“On one hand working with bees is significantly beneficial to her mental health,” he said.
“However, one bee sting left untreated could prove fatal, so ensuring her PPE are secure and tasking her with more of an admin role keeps her further from harm’s way.”
Matthew’s passion for beekeeping began on his family’s Ormiston strawberry farm, where a local beekeeper’s hives left a lasting impression.
Years later, his young son’s fascination with bees sparked the family’s own journey into beekeeping.
In the Redlands, Matthew said the duo was fortunate to have diverse flora supporting their hives, from mangroves and eucalyptus to Wellington Point Farm’s crops.
“This diversity gives the honey a unique flavour profile, delicate but flavoursome,” Matthew said.
“The area is becoming increasingly popular with beekeepers from outside the Redlands as well.”
