A creative beekeeper in Ireland has created an incredible and colourful beehive out of LEGO during lockdown.
People all around the world have been finding fun things to do while in social isolation, whether it be bleaching their hair, learning a language, deep diving into a novel or TV series, or experiencing the joys of baking.
Advert
But Ruairi O Leochain decided he wanted to help out the bee population in his local area.
Having thought of the beehive before the coronavirus hit, the school teacher and wildlife activist from Athlone, Co Westmeath decided eight weeks of lockdown would be the best time bring his idea to fruition.
So, he ordered a bunch of blocks from LEGO and started on his creation.
Ruairi took his time with the project and, after eight weeks, finally got it in a good position to house a bunch of buzzing bees.
Advert
While many people might doubt the structural integrity of a LEGO-based beehive, Rauiri says the bees will help make it stronger.
He told the Westmead Independent: "What the bees will do, given enough time, is they will propolise the whole thing.
"Propolis is a kind of glue that the bees get from trees, and with any gaps in a beehive, with any wind or air getting through, they will basically put their glue in between to seal it up."
He admits that the bees were hesitant to take up residence in the colourful new home, however he's since been able to estimate around 30,000 bees living there now.
"I shared the video with some beekeeping groups online and I've had a lot of people messaging me asking if I have any plans (for how to make one), because they'd like to try it as well," he added.
Advert
"I had to tell them that I didn't have any plans, I basically just had a beehive beside me while I was making it, so I was measuring up everything against the beehive all the time."
It's since gone viral on social media, with loads of people also donating to Athlone's Wildlife Apiaries through a GoFundMe.
Featured Image Credit: Ruairi O Leochain via Storyful