New Beehives at Whatley Manor
This September, our bees at Whatley Manor moved into beautifully handcrafted new homes, made from French oak by Buscott Woodworking in Somerset. The hives have been carefully designed to blend naturally into the gardens, creating an environment that is both functional for the bees and in harmony with the gardens.
Our Head Beekeeper, John Stevens, played a key role in the process. John constructed the inner boxes where the bees live and ensured they were perfectly fitted to the oak hives. He even visited the Buscott workshop to check the craftsmanship and measurements in person, making sure everything was just right before the bees arrived.
On 16th September, three colonies of bees were introduced to their new homes, followed by the fourth and final colony on 26th September. Since then, the bees have been settling in and preparing for the winter months ahead.
During winter, bees do not hibernate. Instead, they form what is called a “winter cluster.” The colony gathers closely around the Queen, vibrating their flight muscles to generate warmth. This activity maintains a temperature of around 85–95°F at the centre of the cluster, even during the coldest months. The bees live off the honey they stored throughout summer and autumn, carefully rationing their supplies until spring returns and flowers begin to bloom once more.
These new hives not only provide a safer and more natural home for our bees but also support our wider commitment to sustainability. By caring for our colonies, we help maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and highlight the vital role that bees play in pollination and the health of our natural world.
You can click here to watch the video of the Bees being rehomed with a full commentary from John Stevens.
The new Dining Room menu features SN16 made using Whatley Honey – click here to view the menu
