Contact us

Buying honey from us

You're more than welcome to buy direct from us, but please note that we're not set up as a shop. It's probably best to phone ahead to make sure we're here, and have what you want in stock.

We're local providers, for local people, so we're not set up for sending honey mail-order. However if you can't collect, and you live in Olney, we'll happily deliver to you at no extra charge.

Payment by cash, cheque, or if you have something interesting, barter. But not credit cards.

Bob North

The Cottage
Church Street
Olney, Bucks
MK46 4AD

01234 240151

Swarm collection

Traditionally local beekeepers will collect swarms of bees that are causing a nuisance. You get the problem removed, and the beekeeper gets some bees (although it's pot-luck whether the bees are any 'good' for honey). All this happens without money changing hands.

This is a voluntary service, and for (lack of) insurance reasons, beekeepers will be reluctant to get involved if the bees are anywhere dangerously awkward, or if getting to them would involve dismantling parts of buildings etc.

Having said all that, if you have a swarm of bees, let your local beekeeper know (that would be me - see contact details above) or, if I'm not available call the local police on their non-emergency number, as they have a list of beekeepers willing to deal with swarms. Make contact as soon as you can - don't wait for the swarm to get dug in or it will make it harder.

If the bees are truly inaccessible, and if they are causing a nuisance, you may have to resort to calling a pest removal company, however in this case it's worth waiting a day or two if you can - they may find a better home and move off all by themselves.

Would you like a hive on your land?

I'm always on the lookout for new places to site hives. If you'd like some on your land, please let me know. Convention is that, unless the hives are placed for pollination purposes (mine aren't), no money changes hand, but you get a jar or two of honey, and the opportunity to get as involved as you want in working the hives (yes, I have spare beesuits!)

What makes a suitable site for a hive?

• Firstly, there needs to be space for at least two hives: many manipulations benefit from being able to share bees and equipement between two hives on the same site, so even if we start with just one hive, it's good to have room for some more.
   
• Honey is heavy. In fact, the most common ailment for beekeepers isn't the result of getting stung, but is 'beekeeper's back'. So it's really important that you can drive a vehicle up to the hives.
   
• Bees need water - so an ideal site will have a source of clean water nearby, and it's best if that isn't the neighbour's swimming pool.
   
• The textbooks say that hives do best in full sun or dappled shade, and are south facing. Personally I don't think this matters too much, so long as they aren't in frost pocket or exposed to the wind they should be just fine.
   
• Hives should also be sited out of public view, both for security (yes, people do steal hives!) and to avoid unnerving people wandering too near without suitable protection.
   
• Hives need to be fenced off from animals - which like to rub up against them to scratch itches, and knock them over, and from young children, unless they are kitted out in beesuits.

So, if you think you have a site that ticks most of those boxes, let me know!