This geocache is dedicated to the Cape Honey Bee (Apis mellifera capensis). Honey bees are essential to our food production since they are prolific pollinators. Honey bees face various threats: Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has affected bee populations very negatively, although mostly in the northern hemisphere. Commercial food production and urbanisation affect honey bee nectar supplies. Bacterial infections such as American foulbrood can have devastating effects on them, and increadingly frequent wildfires destroy their hives and habitats.
Natural hives such as the one close to this cache are to be treasured and protected.
Access to the cache is along an easy riverside meander (although beware of muggles as the path is used by walkers, runners, dogs and prams alike!). You ought to approach the cache site with caution: it is best to approach GZ from below in order to avoid disturbing the adjacent hive. Avoid getting into the flight path of bees as this will disturb them. Bees are less active in cold weather and also between dusk and dawn, so access at these times is well indicated. The cache itself is well camoflaged.
Update: The bees in this hive have absconded. You should still approach with caution because it might be resettled by another swarm in the spring. While the hive is vacant, you can take a peek inside and get a good view of natural honeycomb.