Longleat return to sweet traditions

Thursday, 22 August 2024 05:55

When Longleat House first opened 75 years ago, honey produced on the estate was sold on the gate and now the tradition has returned with an expansion in the number of hives.

The walled garden on the Wiltshire estate, which once ensured produce for the house, estate workers and the neighbouring village of Horningsham, is home to the new hives and nearly half a million bees.

The last batch of the Longleat Honey for 2024 is being harvested this week and will be on sale on site in the next couple of weeks.

In total there are now 10 hives across the estate, each containing 70,000 Buckfast bees, and the first harvest has just been completed with the Longleat Honey label launching in Lady Bath’s Shop.

“It’s really exciting to see,” said James Dare, Head of Facilities, “the British Beekeepers’ Association highlights how honey has been enjoyed all over the world for centuries, it was found in the Egyptian tombs, for example, and we know it was produced in large quantities on the estate.

“Over time the number of hives reduced but now we have sufficient hives to be able to call it Longleat Honey again. We have had local honey for some time; this has been produced within our local ecosystem, but Longleat Honey is produced from the hives within the property boundary.”

Beekeeper Den Picton said: “Each hive will produce 35lb of honey which will mean we are able to triple the jars we have available. It is pure honey without any additives and will be flavoured from the local flowers.

“We are also ensuring a safe place for bees to thrive; bees are critical to our ecosystem and many species are already classed as endangered due to reducing habitat.

More from Local News

Salisbury Cathedral to screen entire series of BBC festive classic ‘The Box of Delights’ in one special evening

In one unique evening, audiences will have the rare opportunity to enjoy the classic BBC television series The Box of Delights on the big screen in Salisbury Cathedral on Friday, 5th December.
Three new trustees join ALABARÉ Board

Salisbury-based homelessness charity ALABARÉ has appointed three new trustees to its Board.
Council invests in third Bobcat machine to repair more roads across the county

Wiltshire Council has added a third Bobcat machine to fix more potholes and repair more roads across the county, further strengthening its commitment to improving road infrastructure.
Wiltshire Creative Announces Christmas Appeal 2025

As a charity, Wiltshire Creative says it believes that live performance should be for everyone and so is delighted to announce the return of its annual Christmas Appeal - Be A Star For Giving.
Woman dies from fatal injuries in A303, Winterbourne Stoke collision

A woman has sadly died following a multi-vehicle road traffic collision on the A303 at Winterbourne Stoke.
Wiltshire Council Forecasting Overspend of £6.6m for Financial Year

Wiltshire Council has published its second-quarter revenue and capital budget monitoring reports for the 2025/26 financial year, as it continues to face and respond to budget challenges.  
Salisbury pegged back by Chippenham in Wiltshire Derby Draw

Salisbury were forced to share the points with Chippenham Town after leading by two goals to nil, with the home side fighting back for a two-two draw.
Normal Train Service to Exeter Set to Resume Later in November

SOUTH Western Railway and Network Rail are set to reinstate the full West of England Line timetable from Saturday, 29th November.