Bees thriving at Orford Place
Following the introduction of two beehives at one of our managed estates in Richmond, we are really pleased to hear that the hives are established and doing well.
Many of us are aware that bees are in decline and understand how crucial they are to our physical health and the health of the wider environment. This is why we are ‘un-bee-lievably’ proud to manage retirement estates which are doing their bit to support these wonderful creatures.
The residents of one of our estates in Richmond reached out to their local beekeeper’s association in 2022 to offer their spacious grounds as a habitat for bees. This Beechcroft development for the over 55's in Ham Common is the perfect location; set in three acres of mature, walled gardens and meadows. The fully maintained communal walled gardens feature sweeping lawns, informal and formal planting, a kitchen garden, herbs, fruit trees and mature trees - including a 300-year-old Mulberry - which means there are plenty of flowers in bloom providing diverse food sources for the bees.
In addition to the abundant vegetation, the area the bees reside in is quiet, secluded, spacious, and shady for the most part, with the benefit of some sunny spots, making it the perfect environment for bees.
The Meadow
Photo taken by Estate Manager Garry
Bees are responsible for the pollination of most crops as well as wildflowers and other native plants in our ecosystem. Without their hard work many of the plants we, and other animals rely on would disappear. Beehives face a lot of challenges throughout the year, from cold winters and scarce resources to interference from humans, through habitat destruction and pesticide usage. Beekeeping is such an important profession, with beekeepers helping hives to survive and thrive, thus preserving bee populations.
The hives in Ham Common are visited by a local beekeeper Martyn from the Kingston Beekeepers Association, who regularly checks up on their progress. Martyn maintains and keeps the hive clean, ensures the overall health of the hive, and when the time is right, harvests the honey.
Beekeeper Martin, tending to the Orford Place Hive
Photo taken by Estate Manager Garry
After a bit of a rocky start, due to a very cold winter, Martyn has advised that the hives are doing well, and the worker bees have started to produce honey. It is reported that a healthy hive can produce up to 50-60 jars of honey a year, and the residents are very keen to try some once the hives are better established. The Kingston Beekeepers will then sell any excess honey through their own channels in the local community.
The residents are really enthusiastic about the project, and some regularly visit the hive while Martyn is at work, which often turns into a lesson on Bees! One resident said:
“I was delighted when the possibility of acquiring beehives at Orford Place was first mooted. Having beehives in our orchard has given me a unique opportunity to get up close with bees (sometimes a little too close for comfort!) and to learn first-hand from Martyn more about the fascinating life cycle of these incredibly intelligent pollinators and the challenges they and beekeepers face.
As a volunteer at Kew Gardens and sometimes stationed at The Hive, I have been able to share with colleagues and visitors many interesting facts, inter alia that contrary to popular belief, bees, when swarming, are not aggressive and marking the queen can be quite a tricky process.”
One of the hives recently lost its Queen, so Martyn will carefully combine the two hives for the winter period, which is quite an intricate process, and then in the spring when the weather is warmer, they will be split again and encouraged to produce a new Queen.
Bees are so important for our ecosystems; they don't just pollinate food for humans. Bees pollinate trees and flowers, which provide homes for so many species of wildlife that we love and depend on.
While meadows and grasslands across the country help to keep the bee populations afloat, pollution from pesticides, natural habitat losses and climate change mean that the bees need our help.
One of the small ways we can each make a difference is by planting flowers, so why not create a wildflower patch in your garden or local community, you can read the RSPB's wildlife friendly gardening tips at the link below:
