About

My hives ……. and me !

I am an experienced beekeeper, passionate about bees, believing in gentle, sustainable and organic bee management.  My bees come first – their health and their quality of life and then, their productivity:  honey, wax, propolis, pollen.  I started my journey in Norfolk and I knew my bees were destined for great things, when they featured in Farming Today on Radio 4.   Now, I split my time between Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire, with stints in Kent and Devon in between.   And yes, my bees travelled with me –  it’s quite an exercise. 

My colonies are kept in WBCs, (named after the designer William Broughton Carr) the traditional looking hives that you would associate with beekeeping.   When I approach them, for one of the regular inspections, my heart lifts with the beauty of their shape and there is always a tinge of excitement at the opening of the first hive.  However, an hour in, and 10 hives later, I have to admit the excitement wanes and I wonder, with my aching back, how much longer it will take!

The reward for this hard, but joyful, work, is not only knowing that I am contributing to the eco balance in my area, but knowing that my bees have done me proud and produced award-winning honey, comb, fudge and mead in four counties as well as nationally. And this year I picked up Gold at the World Beekeeping Awards in Copenhagen. 

My range of balms has been formulated and researched over many years, using wax, propolis and honey from my hives, combined with organic oils, butters and essential oils.  All made by hand, in small batches.  They are wonderfully concentrated and a little goes a long way. 

My other passion is honey. I am a member of the Italian Register of Honey Sensory Experts.  I hold honey tasting experience masterclasses at New Lodge Vineyard in Northamptonshire, and at venues around the country.  And this experience  also gives me the opportunity to judge at the Great Taste Awards, Frankfurt International  Trophy, London Taste Awards,  Concours de Lyon, Concours des Miels (Paris).