From bees to community bliss: Exploring the effects of a beekeeping intervention on a rural community’s wellbeing.

This qualitative study explores the impact of a beekeeping intervention on the wellbeing of community members in rural Ireland. While previous research has focused primarily on the environmental contributions of bees, this study shifts attention to how community-based beekeeping projects influence individual and collective wellbeing perceived through the lens of positive psychology. Ten participants from a rural community involved in the “Let It Bee” project participated in focus group interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that engagement with the beekeeping initiative facilitated positive psychological outcomes aligned with the PERMA wellbeing framework: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Furthermore, participants reported increased autonomy, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for meaningful contribution, often transitioning from self-focused concerns to a collective mindset. This transformation was reflected in enhanced community cohesion, intergenerational collaboration, and social connectivity, reducing isolation in a rural context. Being involved in the project also prompted environmental stewardship behaviour, such as pesticide-free gardening, tree planting, and habitat preservation. The study contributes to an emerging body of literature that connects pro-environmental behaviour with psychological wellbeing, and it extends the current research by exploring its community wellbeing impact. Findings suggest that environmental interventions like beekeeping not only benefit ecological health but also serve as catalysts for emotional, psychological, and social flourishing of communities. The implications for public policy are significant, indicating that integrating wellbeing as an explicit goal in environmental programmes may enhance both participation and outcomes.