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

Prae Wood

Teaching Apiary
Oaklands

Teaching Apiary
Waterend
Orchard

Ayot Estate - Social Apiary
Chalkdell
Farm

Ayot Estate - Social Apiary
Russells Farm

Teaching Apiary
Prae Wood

Training Apiary
Oaklands

Training Apiary
Chalkdell Farm

Social Apiary
Orchard Apiary

Ayot Estate - Social Apiary
Russells Farm

Training Apiary
Prae Wood

Teaching Apiary
Oaklands

Teaching Apiary
Chalkdell Farm

Ayot Estate - Social Apiary
Waterend Orchard

Ayot Estate - Social Apiary
Russells Farm

Teaching Apiary

Teaching Apiaries

A teaching apiary is a dedicated beekeeping site designed to teach people the practical skills and knowledge needed to manage honey bee colonies safely and effectively. It provides a controlled environment where beginners and experienced beekeepers can learn about hive management, bee behaviour, seasonal inspections, swarm prevention, disease recognition, honey production, and responsible handling techniques.

Members of our Hives for All scheme situate their bees at our teaching apiaries for two years during the beginning of their beekeeping journey. 

Social Apiaries

Social Apiaries are for beekeepers who have completed their time on the training apiaries and want to continue keeping bees within a supportive and communal setting.

Our social apiaries follow BBKA and SABKA shared apiary guidance, with inspections organised independently among the participating beekeepers. This gives members:

  • Flexibility in when they attend.
  • Autonomy in their beekeeping practice.
  • The reassurance of working. alongside others if they choose
  • A community of support if help is required.
  • A shared responsibility for apiary upkeep.

Teaching Apiaries

A teaching apiary is a dedicated beekeeping site designed to teach people the practical skills and knowledge needed to manage honey bee colonies safely and effectively. It provides a structured, hands-on learning environment where beginners and experienced beekeepers can develop their understanding of hive management, bee behaviour, swarm prevention, disease recognition, honey production, and responsible beekeeping practices. Working alongside experienced beekeepers, members gain confidence handling live colonies throughout the beekeeping season and learn how colonies develop from spring build-up through to winter preparation. Teaching apiaries are widely recognised as one of the most effective ways for new beekeepers to develop the skills and confidence needed to manage their own bees successfully.

The Association currently operates teaching apiaries at Oaklands College, Prae Wood, and Russells Farm, each providing a supportive environment where members can learn, share knowledge, and gain practical experience. Members of our Hives for All scheme may keep their bees at one of these teaching apiaries for up to three years while they build their experience. During the first year, participants receive dedicated support from a mentor. In subsequent years, they take increasing responsibility for managing their own colonies while continuing to benefit from the guidance and support of experienced association members. This gradual progression allows new beekeepers to develop their skills and confidence before establishing an apiary of their own.

Social Apiaries

Social apiaries are for beekeepers who have completed their time on the teaching apiaries and wish to continue keeping bees in a supportive, communal environment while managing their colonies independently.

They provide a natural next step between the structured learning of a teaching apiary and establishing a private apiary. Members are responsible for their own colonies but continue to benefit from the experience, advice, and companionship of fellow beekeepers.

Our social apiaries operate in accordance with BBKA and SABKA shared apiary guidance, with inspections and routine management organised independently by the participating beekeepers. This gives members:

  • Flexibility in when they attend and manage their colonies.
  • Greater autonomy in their beekeeping practices.
  • The option to work alongside other beekeepers if they choose.
  • Access to a supportive community when advice or assistance is needed.
  • Shared responsibility for maintaining the apiary and its facilities.

For members without suitable land for their own hives, social apiaries can also provide a long-term home for their bees while they continue to develop their beekeeping skills and experience.

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.

Email Richard Grimwade

Prae Wood

Nestled in a small clearing on the southern side of this ancient Oak and Bluebell woodland, the Prae Wood teaching apiary is the Association’s longest-established site, having been occupied for around 50 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

Oaklands Apiary sits in a secluded corner of Oaklands College, nestled within an apple orchard that produces Orange Pippins and Spartans, among other varieties. For a nominal rent of one jar of honey per beekeeper, we can host up to 40 hives. Surrounded by abundant forage, we maintain a friendly, club-like atmosphere while staying focused on teaching the craft of beekeeping. Visitors are always welcome!

Russells Farm

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

©Kyle Riley

©Kyle Riley

Ayot Estate Social Apiaries -
Chalkdell Farm & Waterend Orchard

The Ayot Estate Social Apiaries are situated on the historic Ayot Estate. The land here is characterised by its elevated position between two rivers. Indeed, the name Ayot itself refers to “a high place, an island between two rivers.”

Within this mosaic of arable farmland, grazing areas and ancient woodland, all accessible by a network of footpaths and bridleways, the Social Apiaries operate across two closely located sites just outside Wheathampstead.

One is located on agricultural land, where crops (wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape, peas, beans) and livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs) are managed under Natural England Stewardship schemes that support biodiversity and pollinator friendly practices, making it a fitting environment for a community apiary. 

The second site is in a nearby private orchard, providing a sheltered, nectar rich environment that contrasts with the open farmland. Together, the two sites give the bees access to varied forage including orchard blossom, wildflower margins, woodland edges, and seasonal crops.

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.

A

St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
 is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766. 
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Area Association Member (AAM) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate

St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
 is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766. 
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Area Association Member (AAM) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate

St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
 is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766. 
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate

St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
 is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766. 
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate

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