Beekeeping FAQs

Do you need a licence to keep bees in the UK?

No, you don't need a specific licence to keep bees in the UK. However, it's always a good idea to check with your local council to ensure you're complying with any relevant planning regulations, especially if you live in a residential area.

Can I stop my neighbour from keeping bees?

It can be difficult to stop your neighbour from keeping bees. However, if they're causing a nuisance, such as excessive noise or aggressive bees, you may be able to take legal action. It's obviously best to try and resolve the issue amicably with your neighbour first.

Can I keep bees in my back garden UK?

Yes, you can keep bees in your back garden in the UK, but it's important to consider your neighbours and local regulations. It's a good idea to choose a suitable location for your hive, away from barbecue areas or water features which can attract bees to them.

Can you let bees land on you?

While it's generally safe to let a bee land on you, it's best to avoid swatting it away. If you remain calm, the bee will likely fly off on its own. However, if you feel threatened, gently brush the bee away with the back of you hand.

What is the law on keeping bees?

There are no specific laws governing beekeeping in the UK. However, beekeepers must follow general guidelines and regulations, such as those related to public health and safety.

Should you shoo bees away?

It's best to avoid shooing bees away, as this can agitate them. If a bee is bothering you, gently guide it away with a soft brush or your hand.

Is it legal to keep bees in a residential area in the UK?

Yes, it's legal to keep bees in a residential area in the UK, but it's important to be a responsible beekeeper and consider your neighbours.

Do you need insurance to keep bees UK?

While not mandatory, beekeeper's insurance can provide peace of mind. It can cover potential damages or injuries caused by your bees.

Can you keep bees on an allotment UK?

Yes, you can keep bees on an allotment in the UK, but it's important to check with your allotment association to ensure it's permitted.

How do I start keeping bees UK?

To start beekeeping, consider joining a local beekeeping association. They can provide guidance, training, and support. You'll also need to purchase beekeeping equipment, including a hive, protective clothing, and bees.

How many bees are in a hive?

A healthy beehive can contain tens of thousands of bees, including worker bees, drones, and a queen bee.

What is it called when bees leave the hive?

When a colony of bees leaves a hive in search of a new home, it's called swarming.

What happens when a queen bee dies?

If a queen bee dies, the worker bees will raise a new queen from a young larva.

Will a small swarm of bees survive?

A small swarm of bees may struggle to survive, especially if it doesn't have a strong queen or enough resources.

What is a fancy word for a beekeeper?

A fancy word for a beekeeper is an apiculturist.

What is a bee keeping age?

There's no specific age to start beekeeping. However, it's important to have the physical ability to handle beehives and protective gear.

What does queen bee mean?

A queen bee is the female reproductive member of a bee colony. She's responsible for laying eggs and the presence of her pheremone maintainsthe colony's social order.

What happens when a bee dies in the hive?

Worker bees remove dead bees from the hive to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.

What is a fancy word for bee farm?

A fancy word for a bee farm is an apiary.

Why are male bees kicked out of the hive?

Male bees, or drones, are only needed for mating with the queen bee. Once the mating season is over, they are often expelled from the hive.

How much does a hive of bees cost in the UK?

The cost of a hive of bees can vary depending on factors such as the type of hive, the number of bees, and the supplier. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £400.

What does a queen bee cost?

A queen bee can cost anywhere from £20 to £50, depending on the breeder and the specific breed.

Do beekeepers get stung?

Yes, beekeepers often get stung, especially when they're working with bees. However, with experience and proper protective gear, the number of stings can be minimized.

How do you tell if a bee is a queen?

A queen bee is larger than worker bees and has a longer abdomen. She also has a stinger that she can use to defend herself and her colony.

How much does it cost to keep bees UK?

The cost of keeping bees can vary depending on factors such as the number of hives, the type of equipment, and the amount of time and effort invested. However, it's generally a relatively affordable hobby.

Is there a king bee?

No, there is no king bee. Bee colonies are matriarchal, with a queen bee at the helm.

Is it legal to have a beehive in my backyard in the UK?

Yes, it's perfectly legal to keep bees in your backyard in the UK. You don't need a licence, but it's a good idea to join a local beekeeping association for support and advice.

Can I sell honey from home in the UK?

Absolutely! You can sell honey from home in the UK. Just like The Snowdonia Honey Co., you can sell online or at local shops and markets.

How close to a house can you have a beehive?

There are no strict rules on how close to a house you can have a beehive in the UK, but it's recommended to keep them a reasonable distance away to avoid any potential nuisance issues with neighbours.

How much honey does one hive produce?

The amount of honey one hive produces can vary, but a healthy hive could produce around 20-60 lbs of honey per year. That's a lot of jars of honey from The Snowdonia Honey Co.!

Do I need planning permission to keep bees in the UK?

Generally, you don't need planning permission to keep bees in the UK, unless you have a very large number of hives or there are specific restrictions in your area.

What is the easiest beehive to maintain?

For beginners, a National hive is often considered one of the easiest beehives to maintain.

What is a beehive farmer called?

A beehive farmer is called a beekeeper. Here at The Snowdonia Honey Co., our beekeepers work hard to produce the best quality Welsh honey for you in a sympathetic and natural way with our Bees.

How often do you need to collect honey from a hive?

Honey is usually collected from a hive once or twice a year, depending on the type of hive and the nectar flow.

What do you put in a bee box to attract bees?

To attract bees to a bee box, you can use a swarm lure or some old comb. You can also plant bee-friendly flowers nearby.

How much does a beehive cost in the UK?

The cost of a beehive in the UK can vary, but you can expect to pay around £150-£300 for a new hive.

How much space do you need for a beehive in the UK?

You don't need a huge amount of space for a beehive. A small garden is usually enough, as long as there are plenty of flowering plants nearby.

Can you make a living from beekeeping?

While it's possible to make a living from beekeeping, it can be challenging. Many beekeepers, like those at The Snowdonia Honey Co., start as a hobby and grow their business over time.

Is beekeeping an expensive hobby?

Beekeeping can have some initial costs for equipment, but it doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. You can even build your own hives!

Do you need a licence to keep bees in the UK?

No, you don't need a licence to keep bees in the UK.

Do beekeepers get stung?

Yes, beekeepers do get stung occasionally, but it's usually not a major problem. Beekeepers wear protective clothing to minimise stings.

How much honey do you leave bees for winter?

It's important to leave enough honey for the bees to survive the winter. This amount can vary, but around 40 lbs of honey should be sufficient.

How do you give honey as a gift?

Giving honey as a gift is a thoughtful gesture. You can present it in a beautifully decorated jar or basket, paired with other gourmet treats like cheese, crackers, or nuts.

What goes along with honey?

Honey pairs well with a variety of foods. Some popular pairings include:

• Cheese
• Yoghurt - thick, plain Greek strained yoghurt is this beekeepers favourite
• Tea - much healthier and tastier than sugar
• Baked goods such as toasted bagels

What is the best partner for honey?

The best partner for honey depends on your personal preference. However, many people enjoy honey with cheese, particularly strong, aged cheeses like cheddar or Stilton.

Does honey actually give you gift cards?

No, honey does not give you gift cards. It's a natural product, not a magical potion!

Will honey freeze in the freezer?

While honey won't freeze solid, it can thicken significantly in the freezer. It's best to store honey in a warmish, dark place rather than a fridge.