Back in August last year, we began sponsoring a beehive with The Harrop Honey Co. — a small family-run beekeeping business committed to biodiversity conservation and pollinator protection. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, the hive we sponsor plays a small but mighty part in improving the local ecosystem.
So, how are TBL’s bees doing?
Spring has sprung — and so have our bees
Now that we’re in the full swing of spring, our bees are incredibly active. With the warming temperatures and longer days, the colony has shaken off winter dormancy and is foraging in full force — collecting nectar and pollen from wildflowers, trees, and garden blooms across the area.
The pollen is their protein source, and it’s being brought back to the hive to:
- Feed the queen, giving her the strength and nutrients she needs to lay eggs and grow the colony
- Build fresh wax honeycomb, which provides space for those eggs, and later on, honey storage
We’re also pleased to report that TBL’s bees are showing some real character — they’re feisty, in a good way! Not aggressive, but full of energy and purpose, especially on dry, sunny days. This kind of bold behaviour often leads to productive, successful colonies and a potentially strong summer honey harvest, which we look forward to sharing with the team later in the year.
Fun bee facts
Did you know?
- A single worker bee will only produce about 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.
- Bees can visit over 5,000 flowers a day when foraging — making them one of nature’s most efficient pollinators.
- The queen bee can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day in peak season to grow the colony.
- Honeybees can fly at speeds of up to 15mph, using complex navigation skills and scent trails to find their way back to the hive.
Why this matters for biodiversity
TBL’s bees aren’t just making honey — they’re playing an important role in pollinating wild and cultivated plants in the local landscape. Healthy pollinator populations are essential for:
- Maintaining biodiversity
- Supporting food production
- Creating resilient ecosystems
By sponsoring a hive, we’re actively contributing to this effort — and reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability in a way that’s tangible, educational, and rewarding for the whole team.
Want to sponsor a hive?
If you’re a customer or partner of TBL and looking for a meaningful way to support your environmental goals, The Harrop Honey Co. currently has a handful of hives available for sponsorship.
It’s a great way to contribute to local biodiversity targets, enhance your sustainability reporting, and even offer your employees a sweet incentive at the end of summer (yes — that includes honey!).
You can learn more about hive sponsorships by contacting The Harrop Honey Co. directly at harrop.honey@outlok.com or reaching out to the TBL team.
Thanks again for helping us create a buzz — we’ll be back later in the year with another update and hopefully some golden honey to share!
