Beekeeping has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years – even celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and David Beckham have reportedly taken on their own colonies.
But with some reports suggesting that urban beekeeping can be detrimental to existing bee populations, it's important to know how to do it in the best and safest way possible for bees.
Why keep bees?
Bees are among the world’s greatest pollinators, providing services to farmers alongside ensuring the proliferation of wildflowers, an essential component in global biodiversity. Yet habitat loss and pesticide use have contributed to a worrying decline in populations. Keeping honeybees is one way to help boost numbers, and offers insights into bee behaviour while providing a sustainable supply of fresh honey, beeswax and propolis.
- British bee identification guide: best plants to attract bees to your garden
- Best plants for bees and butterflies
How to start beekeeping
Beekeeping is hugely rewarding, but it certainly “requires planning, training and forethought,” according to Ian Campbell, a beekeeper in north-east England and spokesperson for The British Beekeepers Association. “Take your time, read books (Haynes Bee Manual is recommended), get your hands in some hives on a professional training course and join your local beekeeping association, which provides support from experienced beekeepers,” he adds. The first three years of beekeeping are a steep learning curve involving specialist animal husbandry and practical craft skills.
How much space do you need?
Despite the complexity of managing hives, there are no formal regulations. “The more space you have, the better,” advises Campbell. Larger rural gardens or urban allotments provide wider feeding options than small suburban plots. Reduced space increases the risk of swarming, when bees seek a new home – in which case you could lose your colony and upset your neighbours.
Will the bees sting you?
“Bees aren’t naturally aggressive,” explains Campbell. “They die when they sting, so it’s a last defence. But bees vary in temperament, depending on genetics and hive experiences, so some can be grumpy.” It’s worth checking that you or family members are not allergic to stings. Ideally, experience your first sting when someone is present in case of a severe reaction and get medical advice on pre-existing conditions or venom concerns.“
- How to treat bee stings in your dog, including the common mistake to avoid
- From swollen paws to breathing trouble: what bee stings really do to cats – and expert veterinary advice on how to treat them
What equipment do you need?
“You don’t need much to get set up,” says Robert Bell from Heather Bell Honey Bees in Cornwall. “You’ll need to invest in a modular hive, some protective clothing, a smoker with fuel and a hive tool, which works as a mini crowbar to break through the glue-like propolis and lift the internal frames.” After initially purchasing bees and a feeder, you’ll simply need to add to your equipment as your colonies expand.
How many hives do you need?
Start with one hive, positioned away from public footpaths and facing a hedge or fence to guide bees above head height. “Buy bees from local beekeepers,” says Campbell. “They’ll be adapted to your climate and have the genetic hardware to know when and where to forage.” Bell agrees, adding that this reduces the risk of imported diseases. Begin with a small nucleus colony, or ‘nuc’, which includes comb, food stores, brood and a laying queen, making it a stable starter set-up.
How can you support your bees?
Climate change, habitat fragmentation, pesticide overuse and intensive farming all have disastrous effects on bees, as does the spread of predating insect species such as the Asian (or yellow-legged) hornet. “Planting more flowers is a simple win, helping support some 270 bee species in the UK, including solitary bees and bumblebees,” enthuses Campbell.
- Could any deadly or nasty bugs arrive in UK due to climate change?
- Don’t mistake deadly invasive hornet for native endangered insect that mimics it, warn experts
When should you collect honey?
Honey collection is seasonal and dependent on the forage of your bees. “Usually, we see a spring crop in May and June, followed by a gap before the summer flowers,” explains Campbell. “This pause can be a tricky period to see your bees through; you’ll learn to read the hive like a detective, knowing if the bees are hungry, happy or overcrowded, and when the honey store is full.”
How do you harvest honey?
To harvest, calm the bees with a smoker and cut the honeycomb from the trays. This can be eaten as it is or you can process it by removing the wax caps, placing the comb in a centrifugal machine, then sieving the honey. Once it has settled, it can be poured into jars. “The result is deliciously pure, without the sugar syrups that are added to many commercially produced honeys,” says Campbell.
How can you turn beekeeping into a business?
If you’re going to sell your honey, you’re stepping into the realms of food production – complete with the regulations that involves. Campbell recommends completing an online food-safety course, preparing you for possible spot checks to ensure compliance with trading standards and food hygiene requirements. “The joy of sharing untampered local honey, or entering competitions at national and local honey shows, is well worth the effort,” he adds. “Just don’t expect to make much money!”
Discover more outdoor living inspiration
- How to start a smallholding: growing, harvesting and best seasonal recipes
- Traditional rural skills to learn
- ‘I swapped city life to become a thatcher and haven’t looked back.’ This ancient rural tradition is at risk – meet the people fighting to revive it
- Stop relying on your phone for directions – use nature instead. An expert shares their tips for phone-free navigation
Top image: a beekeeper inspects their hive. Credit: Getty