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Man's Life Changed by Garden Bees
26 Mar
Summary
- Wildlife photographer found deep connection with garden bees.
- Documentary filmed in Bristol showcases diverse bee species.
- The project profoundly altered the photographer's worldview.

Wildlife photographer Martin Dohrn's life took a remarkable turn during the spring and summer of 2020, as documented in "My Garden of a Thousand Bees." Filmed in his urban Bristol garden, the documentary highlights the fascinating lives of over 60 bee species. Dohrn developed a profound sense of connection with these insects, even referring to them as his friends, finding companionship in his backyard.
The film employs a "time-stretching" approach, offering gasp-inducing detail of bees like the wool carder bee and the red-tailed mason bee. Dohrn even created "Bee City," a constructed habitat of wildflowers and wood, to accommodate the diverse bee population. A specific leafcutter bee, named Nicky, formed a notable bond with Dohrn.
Tragically, Nicky eventually departed, leaving Dohrn with a sense of loss but also a transformed perspective. He reflects that his lockdown project not only changed his view of bees but fundamentally altered his view of the world. The documentary serves as a gentle reminder of our planet's delicate ecosystems.




