Buckley’s Bees look at the natural harmony of the farm and consider and promote the following things before working with our organic dairy farmers: 

1. Low density colony placement – Buckley’s Bees typically don’t place more than 2-3 colonies in any single location.
2. Increased food sources – if we’re bringing more bees into the neighbourhood, it’s our responsibility to ensure there is sufficient food/additional food for the existing inhabitants, as well as any new inhabitants. In the Valley our farmland is spread across 2,000 acres, from high up on the Mendip plateau to the lakeside meadows of the Valley.  We also have around 100 acres of ancient woodland on the farm, which provide a different habitat to both the open fields and the wild hedgerows. These different parts of the farm each provide a unique habitat for local species of wildlife, from the easy- to-spot butterflies and hares to rarer species like red kites and adders. Did you know organic farms are home to up to 50% more wildlife*, because we never use chemical pesticides it helps more insects including bees, birds and animals to thrive.  
3. Buckley Bee’s are not involved in any large-scale commercial honey operation and supporting native biodiversity and pollination is our number one reason to have bees. 
4. Buckley’s Bees are seeking to improve the presence of our native bee population, which have significantly dwindled over the last century (along with other pollinators) and, by doing so, help to reverse some of the decline 
5. Buckley’s Bees typically breed as near-native as possible UK black bees and exclusively use these in our colonies. Importation has resulted in increased disease and modified strains of bee with, occasionally, less pleasant temperament. In addition, through biosecurity and other hygiene measures, they are reducing transmission from colony to colony. 
6. They are working with a number of other organisations to better understand the role of pollinators today, studying various aspects of their function, and how best to work with the myriad of creatures that make up this vitally important ecosystem 
7. Buckley’s Bees are passionate about increasing knowledge and awareness of pollinators to gain greater engagement, understanding and involvement in the future of the planet 
8. Finally they only use UK sustainably sourced wood and UK manufactured beehives, several of which are in their 50th year. 

They also work in line with Defra’s “Healthy Bee Plan 2030.”

*SOURCE – Soil Association