The last basket beekeepers on the Lüneburg Heath: Preserving tradition in the straw basket!

The last basket beekeepers on the Lüneburg Heath: Preserving tradition in the straw basket!

In the middle of the picturesque Lüneburg Heath, where gentle hilly landscapes and blooming flora come together, you will find Sven Dunker from Eyendorf. He is one of the last basket beekeepers in this region and is dedicated to the tradition of basket beekeeping. 25 years ago, Dunker learned the craft from Gerhard Meier from Evendorf, whose family has been practicing beekeeping on the heath for five generations. With his special technique, in which he uses round baskets made of rye straw, the so-called Lüneburg Stülper, he not only preserves traditional craftsmanship, but also the species-appropriate husbandry of the bees. “I believe that keeping bees in straw baskets is much more natural,” explains Dunker.

Since the beginning of August, Dunker has proudly managed 42 basket colonies in the Weseler Heide, which represents an impressive increase of ten colonies in just one summer. But beekeeping is more than just a job for him - it is a hobby and a sideline while he works full-time as a social worker and neighborhood manager in the Kaltenmoor district of Lüneburg. The idea of ​​“good neighbors” and self-organization is particularly close to his heart, which he promotes both in his social work and in beekeeping.

Tradition meets sustainability

Basket beekeeping is characterized by its sustainable and ecological way of working, as bienenbringer.info notes. Dunker only uses natural, biodegradable materials and does not use plastics. This is not only good for the environment, but also promotes the health of its bee colonies. “Compared to modern magazines, the Varoa mite infestation in my baskets is significantly lower,” says Dunker.

The bees are allowed to have empty space in their baskets in order to build their own honeycombs and thus create a healthier indoor climate. Dunker emphasizes the importance of giving bees enough time to clean, as this protects them from mites - information that also points to the benefits of basket beekeeping. This traditional form of beekeeping allows less interference with the bee colony and promotes natural honeycomb construction, which helps the bees to better adapt to their environment, as happytobee.de explains.

The honey harvest and more

Harvest time is a very special moment for Dunker. He plans his honey harvest for September 22nd, when he presses the honeycombs using an old Stade piston press from 1740. This traditional process reflects his love for ancient craftsmanship. “Giving the bee colonies appropriate winter quarters in the fall and reproducing them in the spring is an important part of my craft,” he explains.

Dunker is also involved in an exhibition about basket beekeeping in the nature information center in Niederhaverbeck. Looking for historical baskets and equipment for the exhibition and his own beekeeping, he hopes for support: “If anyone has old beehives or historical beekeeping equipment, I would be very happy.” He offers the option of contacting him by telephone on (0152) 29578531.

The Lüneburg Heath, with its blooming landscape and diverse flora, is an ideal location for beekeeping. During the heather blossoms in late summer, the area transforms into a purple sea of ​​flowers, which makes the honey from small pastures and heaths overwhelmingly delicious.

Sven Dunker lives his passion for basket beekeeping with full commitment - and in doing so not only preserves a piece of cultural history, but also ensures the health and preservation of his bee colonies. In a world where many things are changing quickly, the passionate beekeeper is committed to preserving traditions and making his contribution to nature.