Title

Bee Well Caerphilly

Principal / Lead investigator

• Professor Les Bailllie (PHARM, Cardiff University)

Co-investigators / research team

• Dr Micaela Gal, supporting supervisor (PRIME, Cardiff University)

Type of study

PhD studentship

Summary

In a previously KESS-funded PhD studentship, we identified a number of novel plant derived antibacterial compounds in honey that killed antibiotic resistant hospital super bugs such as MRSA. We were able to identify the plants whose nectar was the source of these potentially therapeutic compounds. These plants included common species such as Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Galium odoratum (woodruff) and Trifolium spp (clover).

In this new project we will grow these plants in close proximity to honey bees and determine if there antibacterial compounds are incorporated into the honey. We will also explore the potential of a bee-garden based on these plants to act as a healing/well-being space for patients, relatives, healthcare and University staff and students.

We anticipate that by siting a bee-garden within hospital grounds we will i) provide a mechanism for increasing patient and community engagement and ii) have positive effects on well-being (patient, relative and staff) which we will capture using qualitative and quantitative methods (questionnaires (including questions from a validated quality of well-being measure), interviews and focus groups).

We will also collect information on how stakeholders felt that their participation in setting up the bee garden, and contributing to the health of bees and biodiversity impacted on their perceived sense of well-being, and if people gained skills through any aspects of the project.

This project represents an exciting and novel fusion between laboratory science, ecology and biodiversity with the health and social sciences. While there is evidence to suggest the beneficial effects of green spaces to date there have been no rigorous studies to explore the potential benefits of establishing and using a bee-garden in a UK healthcare facility.

Lay involvement

To follow

Who is the study sponsor?

Cardiff University

Does the study involve commercial partnership activity?

To follow

UKCRN portfolio number (if relevant)

To follow

Funder

KESS 2 PhD Studentship

Total grant value

£486,000

Start date

31/05/2017

End date

31/10/2019

How could this research potentially benefit patients?

To follow

Further information

To follow

Outputs generated (Reports / Publications / Impact)

To follow