Matt Somerville, a carpenter from England, has dedicated the last 14 years of his life to a unique mission: building and installing homes for wild honeybees across the English countryside. With approximately 800 hive installations to his name, Somerville challenges the widely held belief that British honey bees cannot survive without human domestication by beekeepers.

"Wherever I go, bees come," says Somerville, whose extraordinary conservation work has been captured in a documentary film titled "The Hive Architect." Directed by Max Weston and released by outdoor clothing brand Fera, the film follows the pipe-smoking woodworker through his meticulous process of crafting bee homes from start to finish. The documentary showcases Somerville carving out logs, constructing conical roofs, and venturing into meadows to install his handmade structures.

Somerville's work directly contradicts conventional wisdom about bee conservation. According to Fera, "There is a widely held theory that our British honey bee couldn't exist without being domesticated by beekeepers." However, for dedicated bee conservationists like Somerville, this theory is completely misguided. His approach focuses on supporting wild bee populations rather than relying solely on traditional beekeeping methods.

The carpenter follows a seasonal routine that maximizes his conservation impact. During the harsh winter months, Somerville retreats to his woodshop, where he spends countless hours creating as many hives as possible while the weather keeps him indoors. This intensive winter production prepares him for the crucial spring installation period when his work becomes most vital for bee populations.

As soon as the first flowers begin to emerge from the ground in spring, Somerville transitions from craftsman to field installer. He travels to carefully selected bucolic locations throughout the English countryside, equipped with a specially designed contraption that allows him to single-handedly install the heavy hive structures. This innovative rigging system enables him to work independently, positioning the substantial wooden homes in optimal locations for wild bee colonies.

The beautifully shot documentary not only captures Somerville's technical expertise but also highlights his deep commitment to bee conservation. His work represents a grassroots approach to environmental protection, demonstrating how individual dedication can make a significant impact on declining insect populations. For those interested in learning more about Somerville's methods and philosophy, additional information about his conservation work and process can be found on his website, Bee Kind Hives.