Meriet Duncan


MERIET DUNCAN


speaker • author • beekeeper



Find out all about - Meriet Duncan - author of Betsie Valentine And The Honeybees’ and ‘Betsie Valentine and The Honourable Honeybee.’

Purchase a copy of ‘Betsie Valentine And The Honeybees’ and/or ‘Betsie Valentine And The Honourable Honeybee’ at Shop Books.

Book Meriet to come and give a talk to your local school, community or event by heading to the Contact page.

Meet Tegan Sharrard The Artist whose wonderful pictures bring both adventures to life.

Follow Meriet’s Blog and join her at her apiary throughout the year.

Discover something fascinating you didn’t know About Honeybees.

Check out the Events page; there maybe something there you would like to come to!

See what others are saying about Meriet’s talks on the Testimonials page.

Read for yourself what others are saying about Meriet’s books on the Book Reviews page.

Visit Kids Corner where children can learn fun facts about the honeybees and you can download some colouring pictures from the first book for free!


The Menu options are also at the top next to the shopping cart.




meriet duncan

Meriet is a knowledgeable and entertaining Speaker, Children’s Author and Beekeeper - passionate about what we can learn from honeybees.

She has written two children’s books, Betsie Valentine And The Honeybees and Betsie Valentine And The Honourable Honeybee, both of which are extensions of her talks, wrapped up in magical adventures, making it easy for children to learn about honeybees.

For over 20 years Meriet was a professional photographer, the last seven of which she worked in the media, in live television and theatre. During that time she accidentally became a beekeeper; therein lies another book - as yet unwritten! However, as soon as she was properly introduced to the honeybees she fell in love with them and joined the chalfontsbeekeepers.co.uk . There, she started learning about the honeybees and the more she learned the more she wanted to tell as many people as she could what amazing creatures they truly are.

After a couple of years, while inspecting her bees, Meriet had the idea of writing a children’s book thinking that this would be the best way to start; with a children’s book, she thought, children, teachers, parents and grandparents would all learn at the same time. Two years later, having found a wonderful illustrator, Tegan Sharrard, Tegan_art.co.uk who brought her words to life, she retired from the world of photography to concentrate on getting her book published.

Since publishing her first book, Betsie Valentine and the Honeybees, and its sequel, Betsie Valentine and the Honourable Honeybee, Meriet has become a passionate voice for the bees—travelling across the UK to share their story. Through her warm and thought-provoking talks, she brings the hidden world of honeybees to life for schools, communities, and event audiences of all ages.

At the heart of both her books and her speaking is a deep desire to awaken curiosity, inspire care, and nurture a greater understanding of these remarkable pollinators. As honeybee populations face increasing threats, Meriet’s mission is to gently connect people—young and old—with the vital role bees play in our ecology, and to spark a lasting appreciation for the natural world they help sustain.

With her books and talks Meriet takes you on a fun filled, inspiring journey into the complex world of the honeybees and demonstrates just how much we, as a society, can learn from their sustainable and respectful approach.

Meriet lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and a “naughty fox-red-labrador.” She has three “gorgeous” sons and two “delicious” grandchildren. She says: “The honeybees really have changed my life and the way I think and, for that, I am truly grateful. Do you believe in destiny?  I do… I was born in Middlesex in Honeypot Lane!”


speaker information

Do you need a speaker to come and visit your community, school, library, event or next meeting? Meriet is available to speak to groups both large and small.

Speaker Fees
Meriet’s fee structure varies depending on the type and size of event, location, and audience. She is always happy to discuss your group’s needs and will do her best to find a solution that works for everyone.

Whether you’re a large organisation or a small community group with a limited budget, feel free to get in touch using the link below to start the conversation.

To contact Meriet click on this link… Contact

EMILY CULLUM • ASSISTANT TO THE THE DIRECTOR • beesfordevelopment.org