Our bees at Abercamlais
The Abercamlais Estate lies between Sennybridge and Brecon, just within the northern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The house is a magnificent Grade 1 listed building, originally dating from the Middle Ages. It is set in extensive grounds, sheltered from the prevailing winds by mature beech and oak trees. and includes a large walled garden that the owners, Mr and Mrs Ballance are currently restoring.
At Abercamlais, keeping bees and producing honey was a part of the general self-sufficiency of the gardens in years gone by. The bees would help with pollination in the gardens, as well as increasing biodiversity and of course providing a delicious food source. The remains of the beehive stands could still be seen behind the beech hedge in the orchard and an old beehive and beekeeping equipment were stored in the attic.
It has long been the aim of Mr and Mrs Ballance to reintroduce honeybees to Abercamlais and Wood Bank Honey is delighted to be working with the estate to achieve this goal, and of course to have some of our hives in such idyllic and historic surroundings.
We started with six tester hives in early spring and waited eagerly to see if the bees settled and if they were happy in their new location. We checked on the hives regularly and made sure that the surrounding area offered optimal conditions for the bees, offering Mr and Mrs Ballance advice and guidance on their care. After careful monitoring, the bees were then transferred to their permanent wooden hives.
Everyone was delighted when the bees began to produce honey. Abercamlais Estate, small-batch, wildflower honey is made exclusively from the hives on the estate. The busy bees forage nectar from plants such as Sycamore, Hawthorn, Willow, Rosebay willow-herb, Clover, Blackberry and a wide array of meadow wildflowers, resulting in a delicious honey that has been very popular with visitors to the house!
Abercamlais Estate honey is available for visitors to buy in 8oz jars.
The photos below shows the process of extraction from the hives at Abercamlais.
For more information on Abercamlais, including the fascinating history of the family, house and gardens, as well as open days, please see here.
