WHEN bees hit middle age – at about three weeks old – they become security guards for the hive.
It’s their job to investigate anything new or unusual around the home and alert the rest of the swarm if there’s any imminent danger coming their way.
I must have looked shifty because one of these bouncer bees was hovering about four inches from my face and simply wouldn’t leave me alone.
Fortunately, Stacy, the extremely knowledgeable beekeeper at Sunnyfields apiary in Bungay, Suffolk, had provided me with a gloriously stylish outfit that made me look like one of the Ghost-busters — complete with a net around my head that kept the irritated insect at a safe distance.
She explained that usually the bees wouldn’t take such interest in people and would quickly move on without much fuss, but I guess I just have one of those faces.
Security guard bees are just one of the hundreds of fascinating apiary aspects that Stacy taught me about that day, and her enthusiasm and excitement for the creatures was infectious.
She showed me how to inspect a hive, how to spot newly hatched bees getting to work as soon as they emerge from their cells and how those in charge of gathering pollen can tell the rest of the hive where to find the best flowers, simply by wiggling their bums.
Of course, no trip to a beehive would be complete without sam-pling some honey, and although Stacy lets her bees keep their own stash for themselves, there were plenty of jars to taste away from the hives, providing a fitting end to a fascinating morning.
And it was far from the only highlight of my trip.
My visit to Sunnyfields had been arranged by my accommodation provider, Tin Can Camping, at Birchway Farm in Mundham, just across the border in Norfolk.
Its name rather belies the luxurious experience it offers. Far from a tin can, the gleaming space-age rock star-style Sovereign Airstream caravan that my partner and I stayed in for the weekend was as cosy and comfortable a camping experience as I think I’ve ever had, while still offering us more than enough space.
That includes the bed’s marshmallow-like memory-foam mattress, which was not only perfectly soft, but also large enough for us both to stretch out, without any pre-sleep squabbles.
The caravan equalled many houses or flats for mod cons, including a fridge, gas hob and even a wood-burning stove, so guests can easily make themselves at home amid the pleasing orange and brown retro Seventies decor.
There’s also a barbecue and fire pit outside for those rare sunny spells, while those who like their home comforts have access to a larger kitchen, attached to a games room with pool table and a large bathroom.
There’s a one-up, two-down cottage called The Nook on site too for those who want a bedroom that isn’t on wheels.
The surrounding area offers plenty of day-trip options — we chose some classic British seaside fun at Southwold.
Its quaint beach huts, all with adorable personalised nicknames and decorations, stand close to the pier that houses several kitschy fun attractions.
These include a hall of mirrors, an arcade and the Under The Pier Show — an odd room full of wacky inventions and machines, all created by the innovative and eccentric mind of local engineer and artist Tim Hunkin.
There was just enough time to visit Mark’s Chippy, which several people had told us was the best in town, to round off a perfect weekend in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
GO: East Anglia
BEEKEEPING experiences at Sunnyfields start at £25 for a family bee experience.
Group experiences are £65 and private ones £175. See sunnyfieldshoney.com/experiences.
Two nights in the Sovereign Airstream caravan are £330.
Other Airstream options are available from £250. Two nights in on-site cottage The Nook cost from £180.
See tincancamping.co.uk.