Rehoming bees - A safe start in our quarantine apiary
Once bees are carefully removed from a property, they’re taken to our quarantine apiary, where they’re transferred into a hive and given time to acclimatise. Over the following days, we closely monitor the colony to ensure they settle in well.
Why quarantine bees?
Honey bees are vulnerable to a range of diseases—especially wild colonies. Quarantining newly removed bees for several months allows us to monitor their health and ensure no disease is introduced to our wider apiaries. This process not only protects the rehomed colony, but also safeguards the local bee population. We follow all DEFRA guidelines to ensure the highest standards of care.
Bee colony care
Before leaving the isolation apiary, we conduct regular checks to confirm that the bees:
- Show no signs of disease or parasites
- Have an active, healthy queen
- Are thriving and starting to actively expand their colony
Once ready, the hive is moved to one of our main production apiaries, where the bees have access to diverse pollen and nectar sources and are checked weekly during the season to ensure they remain healthy and have enough space to grow.
Bee welfare comes first
When harvesting honey, we always ensure the colony has ample reserves to sustain itself through the year. Each colony needs approximately 25 kg of honey to survive.
Supporting local sustainability efforts – We’re fortunate to work with local companies such as Imerys, Triton Power, and Suez, who provide land for our hives. This partnership not only gives our bees access to rich forage but also helps businesses meet their sustainability goals.
A natural and diverse forage environment
Our bees remain in fixed locations, allowing them to forage on a wide variety of plants throughout the year. This diverse diet provides essential micronutrients, supporting their overall health.
Our care extends beyond honey bees—we are dedicated to supporting all pollinators. At our main apiary, we have planted a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, creating a haven for bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.
If you’d like to learn more about our natural beekeeping practices or support our work, get in touch today!
The Rescued Bee
Take a look at our products
The Rescued Bee is the brand under which we sell our honey and hive products, all made with care from responsibly rehomed bees. Since launching in 2024, we’ve grown quickly and built a reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable honey and beeswax goods.
SHOP COMING SOON!
Our Stories - Rescued Bees
If you’d like to know more about some of the bee colonies we’ve rescued, have a read of our bee rescue stories.