Beekeeping

         Beekeeping at Beighton Allotments

NEW Beekeeping Rules (Update October 2025)

Background. During the Spring and Summer of 2025, there was a huge spike in the numbers of bee stings and incidents of harassment that members were subjected to across the site, but it was proven that the majority of incidents were localised around the managed hive sites on the allotments. Some of these stings resulted in hospitalisation and we were fortunate that none resulted in a fatality. This was why the Committee sent out the survey all members had an opportunity to reply to which were collated in August 2025.

Following analysis of the results of the Beekeeping survey and in conjunction with the obligation of the Trustees Duty of Care to keep all members safe, the Committee have voted to adopt a new set of rules for the management of bees on the Beighton Allotments site.

With effect from 01 October 2025, the following rules will come into effect, with regard to beekeeping on the Beighton Allotments site:

1)  No new hives will be permitted on the Beighton Allotment Site.

2)  All existing hives will be limited to 4 (four) standard height boxes on each hive

3)  The number of hives will be limited to 2 (two) per plot (temporary nuc’s must be authorised in advance)

4)  Total number of hives will be limited to 6 (six) per lane, which is 24 (twenty-four) across the site

As existing colonies naturally deplete over the autumn and winter period, beekeepers must observe the above limits when recolonising their hives. If the existing colonies survive over winter, any hives in excess of the above limits must be removed to an alternative location.

Additionally, we require a contact number for the beekeeper responsible for hives on any particular plot (and/or their nominated deputy).

Where any instances of swarming, attacks, or persistent nuisance is being caused by the beekeepers bees, they will be contacted and must respond urgently to address the issue, either removing the hives or otherwise remedying the situation. Failure to respond may result in the beekeeper forfeiting their allocation and be required to remove their hives from site permanently.

Commencing Autumn 2025 and to be completed by the end of March 2026, an apiary will be created on existing vacant plots A32-A34 and specific areas will be designated for each beekeeper to locate their hives (still within the above limits per plot-holder).

Once the apiary is completed, we will expect each beekeeper to relocate their colonies to the apiary, ASAP although we recognise the need for the colonies to be moved off site, then returned to prevent disorientation of the colonies.

This process of transitioning all existing hives to the A32 & A34 area MUST be completed by the 31st December 2026.

As each existing beekeeper gives up their plot (including bequeathing to a family member), we will no longer allow that allocation of bees to be replaced (either on the beekeeper’s garden or the apiary)