Apiary [eɪpɪəri]

noun

etymology
The base of the word comes from the Latin word “apis” meaning “bee”, leading to “apiarium” or “beehouse” and eventually “apiary.”

Beekeepers may be referred to as “apiarists” or “ones who tend apiaries.”

Our Apiaries

Offer us an apiary

We are on the lookout for opportunities to open new apiaries for our members. If you have some land you would like to offer please get in touch.

Prae Wood

Nestled in a small clearing on the southern side of this ancient Oak and Bluebell woodland, the Prae Wood training apiary is the Association’s longest-established site, having been occupied for around 100 years. For much of that time, its presence has been secured by a remarkably enduring rental agreement with the landowners: 12 jars of honey and £4 per year.

Hive Mind ©Kyle Riley

Oaklands Inspections by ©Gary Davis, GDImages

Oaklands

Our second training apiary is located in an orchard near Oaklands College.

Russells Farm

The smallest and most recent of our training apiaries, this site is located on the edge of an oilseed rape field just outside Peter’s Green 

©Kyle Riley

©Kyle Riley

Ayot Estate Apiaries -
Chalkdell Farm & Waterend Orchard

Our Apiaries in Photos

Click on the photographer’s name to see their collection

Gary Davis

Guest Photographer

Gary is a multi-award winning nature and wildlife photographer specialising in birds and macro photography. His photography interests also include sport and urban landscapes. 

His website features extensive collections of his work from over the years.

You can visit his website here.

James Singler

Guest Photographer

James’ work has been published in the Sunday Times and Docu Magazine. He was shortlisted for the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year – Rising Talent Award.

Following his curiosity, his work focuses on giving an ear to society and telling stories of ordinary people going about their everyday lives.

You can visit his website here.

Kyle Riley

Association Member

Kyle took up photography a few years before becoming a beekeeper. Now, he rarely visits an apiary without his camera. He has captured thousands of images from Prae Wood Apiary over the years. 

His wider work includes wildlife and nature, urban landscapes and event photography.

You can visit his website here.

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