Canonteign Falls, situated within the Dartmoor National Park in the heart of the Teign Valley, will soon be buzzing to the sound of thousands of honey bees which are being introduced to the popular tourist attraction.

Ten colonies of honey bees will be brought to Canonteign Falls and settled in their hives, to help raise awareness of the honey bee, its importance for pollination, and to help raise visitors’ understanding of the importance of regional bio-diversity.

Canonteign Falls already enjoys a wide variety of wildlife and it is hoped the bees will feel at home in this welcoming environment. A special bee garden is being created where the bees will find themselves amidst pollen bearing plants.

Honey bee experts the world over are concerned that the honey bee is in decline and many recent media reports suggest that in many countries this may be caused by reduced plant diversity, as well as the use of pesticides and over-management of bees for their honey.

Canonteign Falls aim, with the help of their expert bee-keeper Tim Hall, to care for the bees as naturally as possible and to educate visitors with planned talks and lectures. Also planned are initiatives with local schools to teach children that many of the myths surrounding bees are unfounded, and that they are actually a peaceful, gentle creature that we are blessed to live alongside.

In time it is hoped that honey from the bees may be sampled and even sold in the Canonteign Falls shop

The Exmouth Journal has teamed up with Canonteign Falls to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket to the falls.

To enter the competition, simply answer the following question:

How many colonies of bees are coming to Canonteign Falls?

Send your answer on a postcard, along with your name, address and telephone number, to:

Canonteign Competition, Archant South West, Fair Oak Close, Exeter Airport Business Park, Clyst Honiton, EX5 2UL.

Entries must be received by Friday, September 30.