Cormac Harkin chatted with Mark Payne, founder of No Stings Attached, about native stingless bees, permaculture principles in beekeeping, and the future of sustainable pollination.
For beekeepers, gardeners, and eco-enthusiasts, this conversation was packed with insights on why native bees matter, how to support them, and the challenges (and rewards) of ethical beekeeping. Below, we dive deeper into Mark’s journey, key takeaways from the episode, and actionable tips for anyone looking to foster healthier ecosystems—one bee at a time.
Why Native Bees? The Case for Stingless Beekeeping
When most people think of bees, they picture the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). But in Australia alone, there are over 1,700 native bee species, many of which are stingless and play a vital role in local ecosystems.
Mark’s journey into native beekeeping began when he noticed his garden wasn’t being pollinated effectively—despite having honeybees. He soon discovered that native stingless bees (Tetragonula and Austroplebeia species) were far better adapted to Australia’s climate and flora.
Key Benefits of Native Stingless Bees:
✅ No stings! – Safe for families, pets, and urban environments.
✅ Efficient pollinators – They “buzz pollinate,” vibrating flowers to release pollen (great for tomatoes, blueberries, and eggplants).
✅ Low-maintenance – Unlike honeybees, they don’t require intensive hive management.
✅ Climate-resilient – Better suited to local weather extremes than introduced honeybees.
Yet, despite their advantages, native bees face habitat loss and competition from honeybees. Mark’s work focuses on restoring balance—promoting native species without dismissing the importance of honeybees.
From Honeybees to Natives: Mark’s Beekeeping Evolution
Mark’s beekeeping journey reflects a broader shift in sustainable agriculture:
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Starting with Honeybees – Like many, he began with European honeybees but soon realized their limitations in Australia’s subtropical climate (pest pressures, high maintenance).
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Discovering Native Bees – After learning about stingless bees, he switched focus, recognizing their ecological benefits.
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Building a Business Around Ethics – Instead of mass-producing hives, Mark prioritizes diversity, education, and small-scale solutions like his Bee Backpacker habitats.
The Problem with Monoculture Beekeeping
Many commercial beekeepers focus on a single species (usually honeybees) for maximum honey production. But Mark warns:
“Having 180 hives in one location isn’t necessarily best for the environment. We need biodiversity, not just honey yields.”
His approach? Small, distributed hives that support local pollination without overloading ecosystems.
Permaculture Principles in Beekeeping
Mark doesn’t just keep bees—he applies permaculture ethics to his entire operation:
1. Zones & Efficiency
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Zone 1 (Home Hives): High-maintenance hives kept nearby for easy monitoring.
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Zone 2+ (Satellite Hives): Strong, established hives placed further away in community gardens or farms.
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Recently, he even consolidated hive locations to reduce travel time, keeping most within his suburb to support hyper-local pollination.
2. Multiple Income Streams
Instead of relying solely on honey sales (which is tricky with slow-producing native bees), Mark diversifies with:
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Native beehive sales (for backyarders and schools)
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Educational workshops (teaching kids and adults about native pollinators)
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Bee Backpacker habitats (a DIY solitary bee hotel that actually works)
3. Giving Back to Nature
For every Bee Backpacker sold, Mark donates one to a school or bush regeneration site—ensuring new habitats for solitary bees.
The Future: Native Bee Honey & Sustainable Markets
One of the most exciting (but challenging) aspects of native beekeeping is the potential of stingless bee honey.
Why Is Native Bee Honey Special?
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Rare & Slow-Producing – A single hive yields ~1kg/year (vs. 60kg from honeybees).
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Unique Flavor – Described as “earthy, tangy, and floral”—like “the Australian bush in a jar.”
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Medicinal Potential – Early research suggests antimicrobial properties, possibly rivaling Manuka honey.
However, Mark notes:
“We’re still learning. Unlike Manuka, native bee honey doesn’t yet have standardized medicinal ratings—but the future looks promising.”
For now, he focuses on education and small-scale sales, helping people appreciate its value beyond just sweetness.
How You Can Support Native Bees
Even if you’re not a beekeeper, you can help native pollinators thrive:
1. Install a Bee Habitat
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Stingless bee hives (if you’re in Australia)
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Solitary bee hotels (like the Bee Backpacker) – Ensure holes are 10-15cm deep (shallow ones don’t work!).
2. Plant Bee-Friendly Flora
Native bees love:
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Flowering gums (Eucalyptus)
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Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
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Native daisies & herbs
3. Avoid Pesticides
Even “organic” sprays can harm bees—opt for natural pest control instead.
4. Educate Others
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Host a workshop.
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Teach kids that not all bugs are pests—many are essential pollinators!
Final Thoughts: A Call for Balanced Beekeeping
Mark’s story is a reminder that beekeeping shouldn’t just be about honey—it’s about stewardship. By supporting native species, adopting permaculture principles, and prioritizing ecological balance over profits, we can create a healthier future for bees—and ourselves.
🌿 Learn more: No Stings Attached | Bee Backpacker
Mark has always been a passionate gardener but since realising there was next to no bees in his garden he began the quest to repopulate his local area with bees.
This has since led to him starting his own business spreading native stingless bees throughout the east coast of Australia and providing workshops to school students to raise awareness of the importance of native bees.
Marks latest project is launching a new habitat product for solitary native bees. A more affordable and ethical way to increase pollination in your gardens and local areas.
@no_stings_attached
@bee_backpacker
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