Spring Honey 2026 – A Golden Start to the Season 

This year brought a more balanced and typical spring across the UK, with a mix of mild temperatures, occasional rain, and some welcome sunny spells through April. While not record-breaking, these steadier conditions provided a reliable environment for early forage to develop and for our bees to build momentum after winter.

Our hives at Lower Woods were once again perfectly placed. The area is naturally damp and rich in wildlife; it’s never been converted into farmland precisely because it’s too wet. This consistent moisture helped sustain a healthy spread of early blossoms, even during drier intervals.

Thanks to an early bounty of willow catkins, the colonies got off to a strong start after successfully overwintering. From there, they made the most of the hawthorn blossoming across Inglestone Common and Lower Woods. They also foraged widely on dandelion, blackthorn, and wild garlic—all flowering well thanks to the steady conditions and the richness of this undisturbed landscape.

Interestingly, some of our bees also discovered the oilseed rape fields this year near Hawkesbury Upton (see photo below). This bright yellow crop provides a rich, fast-flowing nectar source and adds a slightly different character to the early season forage.

The result? A beautiful, light spring honey with delicate floral notes that truly capture the essence of the season.

This year’s spring harvest is a real celebration of balance in nature and the unique environment that our bees call home.

Fun fact: Bees communicate the location of good food sources to each other using a “waggle dance,” a figure-eight movement that tells other bees exactly where to fly.