Building our apiary
We are setting up a small community apiary at the allotments, using the grant to support hives, equipment, training, safety measures and honey handling.
Ainsdale Allotments
Building a community apiary
Thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund, we are creating a small apiary at the allotments, supporting practical beekeeping training and documenting the project as it develops.
Project focus
What we’re doing
The project is focused on setting up the apiary safely, building practical beekeeping knowledge and keeping members informed as the work progresses.
Learning beekeeping safely
Members involved in the project are receiving practical beekeeping training and guidance so inspections, hive management and seasonal decisions are handled responsibly.
Keeping people updated
We are documenting progress as the project develops, including hive inspections, queen cells, colony growth, site works and practical lessons learned along the way.
Project in pictures
Early work on site
A few moments from the early stages of setting up the apiary and learning how to inspect the hives safely.
Video updates
Watch the project develop
We have started sharing short project films to show what has happened on site and how the apiary is developing.
Bringing bees onto the allotment
The first proper step in bringing bees onto the allotment, with help and guidance from experienced beekeepers.
Watch Episode 1Two queens and a hive split
A follow-up inspection where two queens were found in one hive, leading to a hive split and the start of another colony.
Watch Episode 2Transparency
Following the grant spend
Explore our spending plan to see how the grant is being invested, read the project plan to follow the planned work and check updates to see what has happened so far.