Nestled in Staincross, Barnsley, with picturesque views towards Penistone, our family smallholding is a slice of paradise in South Yorkshire. Here, amidst the tranquility, we delve into the hives to reveal the intricate process behind each jar of honey we offer.
Our 40-acre haven is also home to a friendly flock of free-range chickens. My journey with honeybees began in 2006, and since 2012, I’ve been blending my love for bees with my passion for education. Initially managing two hives with my dad, our project blossomed into 40 hives, a testament to our shared enthusiasm and occasional familial debates.
After losing my dad in 2010, I carried on our beekeeping legacy, supported by my mum, who’s become an invaluable part of our beekeeping adventures, especially during extraction. In 2019, we unveiled our bee classroom, excited to share our knowledge and experiences. We invite you to join us for a beekeeping experience day, where we explore the fascinating world of honey bees together. [read our story here]
Facebook Posts
Here is an Asian Hornet catching a ride to England from France. Although the Asian Hornet has the ability to fly across the channel, this one is taking a more leisurely route. ![]()
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This appears to be just a worker, but had it been a gyne (future queen produced by a nest as part of the reproductive cycle), then this could have foundered a new nest when it made it to land.![]()
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Always worth reporting via the app, regardless.
Inspired by the Netflix film "Backyard Wilderness", here are some photos of my Backyard Wilderness. One or two may not be in my backyard, but I was in someone's taking the photo.![]()
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All we have to do is step outside...![]()
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#backyardwilderness #katiethesalamander @katiethesalamander #stepoutside
How do you know what's in the jar if you don't know the beekeeper?![]()
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Recent research from Cranfield University has highlighted just how tricky it can be to spot fake honey. With nearly half of tested honey samples in Europe likely adulterated with cheap syrups, it's becoming harder to trust what's on the shelf. But how can you be sure you're getting the real thing?![]()
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By supporting local beekeepers, you're not just buying honey—you're buying trust. You know exactly where your honey comes from, how it's made, and who stands behind it. No need for complex tests or fancy machines when you can meet your beekeeper and see the bees in action.![]()
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When you choose to buy from your local beekeeper, you're ensuring that what’s in your jar is pure, authentic honey, just as nature intended. Let's keep honey real—support local, know your beekeeper, and taste the difference.![]()
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bit.ly/3YPo5uD![]()
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#SupportLocal #KnowYourBeekeeper #RealHoney #BeeAware
From 8 nests to 150 nests!![]()
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Asian hornets, a highly invasive species, are on the move and causing significant concerns in parts of Europe. Recent reports from Hesse, Germany, show a rapid increase in their numbers—going from just 8 nests two years ago to over 150 last year, and this year could see even more. These hornets are particularly worrying because they feed on honeybees, a vital part of our ecosystem and economy.![]()
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If these hornets establish themselves in the UK, our local bees could be at severe risk. The hornets' spread across Hesse should serve as a stark warning—this could happen here if we don't stay vigilant. The situation is escalating quickly, and the consequences could be disastrous for our local biodiversity and beekeeping community.![]()
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Read More: tinyurl.com/22ta5t6j
🚨 **Tropilaelaps Mites in Europe** 🚨![]()
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As sustainable beekeepers, we understand the delicate balance required to maintain healthy bee populations and ecosystems. A new and serious threat has made a step closer to our apiaries: the Tropilaelaps mite (T. mercedesae), a devastating pest that has now been identified in Europe for the first time.![]()
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In 2021, the Krasnodar region in Western Russia saw a staggering 53% loss in honey bee colonies due to this invasive mite. This pest, previously confined to Asia, is now a looming danger to our own hives. With the potential for rapid spread across Europe, particularly through natural spread and human activities, the risk to our bee populations cannot be overstated.![]()
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🔴The threat doesn’t stop at borders. ![]()
Our modern supply chains and the movement of bees across regions could accelerate the spread of this mite, just as we’ve seen with Varroa. This is why it's more important than ever to raise local bees and support local bee populations.![]()
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By working with bees that are adapted to our specific climates, we not only strengthen their resilience but also help protect the local genetic pool. Importing bees might seem like a quick fix, but it carries significant risks, including the introduction of pests like Tropilaelaps, which can devastate hives that are not equipped to handle them.![]()
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🟢Prioritise local bee populations that are naturally adapted to your region’s climate.![]()
🟢Avoid importing bees to prevent disrupting the local genetic pool and introducing harmful pests.![]()
🟢Stay informed about the latest threats and work together to protect our bees.![]()
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For more detailed information, you can access the full research here: [First report of established mite populations, Tropilaelaps mercedesae, in Europe](www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218839.2024.2343976).![]()
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Talk by Dr Samuel Ramsey on Tropilaelaps: youtu.be/p34t9JKadqI![]()
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#SustainableBeekeeping #ProtectOurBees #LocalBeesFirst #BeeHealth #TropilaelapsMite #BeekeepingCommunity
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