After a long, dry spell, our bees are heading into autumn in excellent shape. We’re regularly in touch with Martin, Founder and Head Beekeeper, at our partners at Knight’s Beekeeping to check in on our 60,000 winged miracle workers. This Autumn, we’re pleased to report that the colonies are strong, busy on the ivy flow from nearby woods and hedgerows, and well prepared for the colder months ahead.
A mast year
You may hear beekeepers and naturalists talk about a mast year. It is when many trees synchronise and produce an unusually heavy crop of seeds and nuts. That bumper harvest boosts food for wildlife across the landscape, from birds and small mammals to the pollinators that support them.
A bee foraging on ivy flowers
Autumn ready
September into early October is all about setting up the hives for winter and completing the honey harvest. Here is what Martin has been doing on site:
- Leaving sufficient surplus honey for the bees so they head into winter with confidence
- Health inspections across each colony and careful comb maintenance, removing old or damaged frames
- Reducing hive entrances to deter robbing and keeping hives dry and well ventilated
- Applying Apivar strips as part of Varroa management
- Monitoring the heavy intake of ivy pollen and nectar, with bees also working tree and hedgerow flowers nearby
Habitat notes from the field
The apiary sits beside a field that carried a single barley crop this year due to the dry weather. Nearby fields have been sown with regenerative mixes such as clover to help rebuild soil nutrients. The bees have made good use of both the clover and the surrounding tree lines, with the ivy flow now in full swing.
From frames to jars
We captured some of the honey extraction process this month. Frames were spun, filtered and left to settle before decanting. As ever, the first taste test did not disappoint. Managed hives mean you can choose to use your honey and wax for guest gifts, menu innovation, cocktails or even small-batch balms, all while telling a credible nature story to your teams and guests.
Honey frames spinning in a mechanical extractor during harvest
Why hospitality hives work
Beekeeping brings sustainability to life for teams and guests through memorable experiences. As Martin often says, there is a real eureka moment when people first step into a hive and see how it all works.
Field inspection with Knights Beekeeping
Working in Partnership
We work with Knight’s Beekeeping to deliver managed, branded hospitality hives as part of your nature and climate plans. Here is how we help:
- Set up and manage on-brand hospitality hives with Knight’s Beekeeping
- Host team visits and engagement days tailored to your brand
- Track biodiversity outcomes and provide ESG-ready metrics
- Help you use your own honey and wax for gifts, menus and storytelling
If you’re looking to make measurable impact, we would love to help. Contact us to discuss a hive partnership as part of your ESG action plan.
