An Un-Bee-Lievable Day Out! 🐝

Beth Evans (Digital Marketer) and Steve Shore (Development Chef) recently had the pleasure of visiting Ged and Shelia’s Bee Farm with the team from Rowse Honey and Country Range. Here is how the trip went!

Ged’s journey into beekeeping began at the young age of 15 when he spent a summer working for a commercial beekeeping operation in France. By the early '80s, he had his first hives and went full-time into beekeeping in July 1989. His focus was on bulk honey production and, more recently, queen bee production. In February 2014, Ged became the first Bee Farmer in the country to be awarded the status of 'Master Bee Farmer,' recognized by the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers and the Bee Farmers Association of the United Kingdom. He has achieved professional recognition through the licentiateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute.

For over 30 years, Ged and his team have been proud suppliers of honey to Rowse. About a decade ago, they launched an apprenticeship scheme for aspiring beekeepers, with Rowse sponsoring the initiative. Ged and Shelia's daughter was the first apprentice in the program, and now, around six individuals complete the apprenticeship each year, ensuring the continued growth of skilled beekeepers.

The Importance of British Honey

A surprising fact about honey consumption in the UK is that only 3% of it is British. Most honey consumed is a blend from countries like China and Thailand. This highlights the importance of supporting local beekeepers and appreciating the unique qualities of British honey.

Sustainability at the Heart of Beekeeping

Ged's approach to beekeeping is deeply rooted in sustainability. Trees, for instance, are incredibly valuable to bees, often more so than flowers, due to the diverse varieties they offer within a small area. Bees can cover up to 27 square miles when foraging and prefer using puddles over lakes for water to avoid drowning risks.

Their commitment to sustainability extends to their operations as well. The house and beekeeping site are powered by wood, primarily sourced from storm-fallen trees just a mile and a half away. This practice significantly reduces their carbon footprint.

Understanding Honey Production

Honey production peaks in the spring and summer months when warmer weather aids in pollination. As winter approaches, bees gather water to liquefy honey, maintaining the optimal moisture content of 18%. Honey bees, which hibernate together during winter, are the first to emerge each year. They cap off the honey when the moisture content is below 18%, ensuring it remains runny and stable. By mid-August, all honey is harvested.

Remarkably, producing 1 tonne of beeswax requires 40 tonnes of honey. This beeswax is then used to create products like beeswax wraps and candles.

The Business of Beekeeping

Ged’s business is divided into two main areas: Honey Production and Queen Bee Farming. With over 100 honeybee hives, some as far as Essex, they produce 50kg per hive, equating to 5 tonnes of honey a year. Each hive houses approximately 50,000 to 80,000 bees, including 700-800 drone bees (males), with the remainder being worker bees (females).

Queen Bee Production

The BHB Queens business has 700 mini hives and uses pedigree Buckfast breeder queens and drone mothers to produce around 2,000 queens each year. These queens are supplied to beekeepers and honey farmers across the UK and are known for their excellent temperament and high productivity. Queen bees can live for years but are most productive in their second year. To prevent swarming, it’s recommended to introduce a new queen after three years. A queen bee’s primary role is to lay up to 2,000 eggs a day, ensuring the hive remains thriving and productive.

By visiting Ged’s bee farm, we gained a new appreciation for the intricate balance between nature and agriculture. Ged's passion and commitment shine through, showcasing how essential beekeepers are in nurturing healthy ecosystems and producing top-notch, sustainable honey.