Originating from the city’s newly created coat of arms in 1842, it symbolises the industrious nature of Mancunians.

In Heaton Park there’s a 250-strong team of equally busy and tireless group of people, but their mission is to raise awareness of the humble honey bee.

The Manchester and District Beekeepers’ Association (MDBKA) has been promoting the art of beekeeping since 1895.

The charity’s base is the beautifully ornate 18th century Dower House, close to the park's car park.

“Interest in bees has grown enormously in recent years," said Wayne Rashman, who so enjoys bees that he has hives in the garden of his home in Hollins.

With 60,000 honey bees in each of the 32 hives at the park, there are close to two million bees going about their business at the site.

This includes a recently acquired new queen, which visitors can get a closer look at thanks to the observation hive.

Visitors are welcome to find out more about the association at its Sunday afternoon openings (12pm to 4pm in summer and 12pm to 3pm in winter).

There are also free taster sessions for those interested in signing up to the free 10-week beekeeping training course.

A visit is rewarded by discovering some amazing – and surprising – facts.

Swarms for instance, a terror trope so beloved by filmmakers, are not the menace so often depicted.

“A swarm isn’t particularly dangerous, it’s actually the birth of a new colony,” said Chris Macleod, 73, of Prestwich.

“The bees are carrying honey with them so it’s the least likely time to get stung.

"It can be quite frightening seeing thousands of bees, but attack isn’t in their thoughts.”

It’s one of many revelations the association is keen to publicise to help remove misconceptions.

Chris added: “We really like to encourage families to visit us, so children won’t be scared of bees, and then won’t be aggressive towards them. It’s all about educating people.”

The MDBKA is certainly getting that message across thanks to all the school visits it hosts.

Companies also make use of it by holding team-building beekeeping days there, and association members are happy to give talks and demonstrations at care homes and other venues.

Honey production and extraction takes place on site, and it’s sold to help running costs. It’s an ethical, not-for-profit operation, and it’s only the excess honey produced that is collected and sold in the shop.

The honey’s flavour varies depending in the time of year, and it is made from pollen and nectar growing on flowers in the park.

 “A lot of supermarket honey is a mixture of EU and non-EU honey, and it’s pasteurised, which kills the bad and the good bacteria,” said Wayne.

“The single source honey, which is made and sold here, is very popular. People are shocked by how different it tastes.”

During my visit, I learned that “a democracy” is an alternative collective noun to “colony” for bees.

“It’s a true democracy,” said Chris.

“It’s the workers who make all the decisions.”

It’s yet another fascinating fact you pick up from a visit, and you also learn about the activities and abilities of bees.

Chris said: “One of the first things they do after being born is to clean their cell out.

"They all have age-related jobs, including undertaker bees that take out the dead, fly off and drop them away from the hive.

“In winter they cluster together for warmth. The queen emits her pheromone to make them get close to each other.

"Bees also have the ability to dislocate their wings, so they can vibrate their wing muscles to keep warm.”

Whatever your age, a visit to the Dower House is an enlightening experience, and one that will make you appreciate just how much we owe bees.

As Albert Einstein said: “If the honeybee became extinct, then so would mankind.”

For further information about MDBKA, please visit www.mdbka.com.