In early summer 2023 in support of the College Environmental Sustainability project it was proposed by two members of the College staff - Yvonne in Office Services and Greenkeeper Will - to reintroduce bees to Bradfield. Anyone who follows the Bradfield College “Twitter” account over recent months will be familiar with the journey of the bees to Bradfield and protection of the Queens. To everyone else, the short story so far.

With the help of the Grounds team a suitable area was found and prepared, hives and kit borrowed or bought, training undertaken and bees ordered. The first bees arrived at the start of May 2023 and settled in well. The first Queens were named Matilda and Beryl and all the honey bees were checked regularly throughout the summer months.

In just one season the Bradfield apiary has produced 21 kgs of honey, equating to 60 jars, which was collected in August and have been sold under the name Orchard View Honey.

The pictorial story below.