Many thousands of bees are hard at work in Trafford this spring and summer, making honey in their hives at six locations in the borough.
Manchester Honey Company has worked with Trafford Council, Amey and partners to put hives each containing as many as 80,000 bees in secluded parkland places, away from busy areas.
The scheme started eight years ago and has grown to 200 hives making award-winning hyperlocal honey for sale online and aiding pollination in the bees’ foraging areas.
Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Tom Ross, called in at the bees’ newest home, Lostock Park in Trafford Park, for a tour and a tasting with beekeeper Gareth Trehearn and his wife Louise.
The One Trafford Partnership installed a platform and fencing for the hives, as part of the Greening Trafford initiative to support biodiversity, improve local spaces and make parks more welcoming.
Plans are to introduce a volunteer programme so that local people can help look after the bees and learn about their unique contribution to the environment.
Long-time bee enthusiast Gareth, who runs a cleaning business with Louise, began to expand hives across Trafford during the pandemic when unable to go about his usual work.
In addition to Lostock Park there are now apiaries at Suez in Trafford Park, Turn Moss at Stretford, allotments in Urmston, United Utilities at Altrincham and Chris Walker Plants in Timperley. Gareth says:
“Our hives draw attention from parkgoers – dog walkers, families, and skateboarders alike – who are curious about the role of bees in the environment. People love it that our hyperlocal honey starts with the nectar from the flowers in their gardens.
“Those who buy a jar online, or from a stall at an event, are amazed that Stretford honey tastes completely different to Urmston honey. If you go to the supermarket, a jar of honey will taste the same whether you are in Edinburgh or London.”
Cllr Ross was delighted to try the different varieties and learn about the bees. He said:
“We are delighted to be able to support this fabulous project, which supports our Council priority of addressing climate change. We look forward to working together with the Manchester Honey Company as its network continues to expand.”
Gareth and his team also make beeswax candles, soap and lip balm, and regularly support local schools at their fairs.
Keeping bees on Trafford’s parks and countryside sites compliments activities to diversify the biodiversity and range of natural habitats in the borough’s green spaces.
Many Trafford parks have wildflower meadows, long grass, bulb flower displays, orchards and new woodland trees, aimed at adding habitats for wildlife while providing vibrant places to visit.
