Not allowed to have bees

[green thing]

Hi
I've just finished a bee keeping course
and was looking to start a hive this year
on my garden plot
I've now been told by the council that I'm not allowed to keep bees
on the plot as they are classed as live stock ?

I thought the government was encouraging councils to
increase bee population , we now have flower meadows
in the local parks for the bees
but I can't keep bees

[Two_Sheds]

That's honey bees. Were you particularly after the honey? Or just bees?

Grow lots of pollen-rich plants and you'll be smothered in bumbles (and the odd honeybee)... and bumbles won't sting as readily as a honeybee does

[northepaul]

Its still ridiculous though isnt it?

Esp if its in your garden!!!

I wasnt allowed to keep bees either on my allotment because there are horses nearby (across the main road)....!!

[Two_Sheds]

was looking to start a hive this year on my garden plot

I had assumed you meant on your allotment? Or do you mean in your garden at home?

Actually you can keep a hive in your own garden.

"There are no restrictions on keeping bees. You can keep them in your back garden, but it would be wise to ask your neighbours if they have any objections" from: Keeping bees : Directgov - Environment and greener living

[baldrick]

The bee man on our allotment has hives rent free on a local farmers fields. Apparently the bees increase the yield enough that its worth the farmers while to have him going back and to. He also says it is handy to have the 2 or more locations 3 miles (I think?) apart so he can swap them back and to so they dont swarm (totally above my head that bit!) Hope that helps.

[binley100]

We have bee people on our site . I think we are allowed one hive per part (no-one knows for sure what a part is) and you need to be a member of the National Association of Bee Keepers so that you have a certificate of public liability .........think that's right.

[binley100]

have a look at this ......there is a reference to the allotments act which states that part of your plot may be used for livestock

http://www.nsalg.org.uk/uploads/arti...allotments.pdf

[green thing]

I wanted to keep honey bees (apis mellifera mellifera, the native British Black bee)
We have no allotments in the area just council garden plots.

binley100
have a look at this there is a reference to the allotments act which states that part of your plot may be used for livestock

the council use the garden plot title as an excuse to get around
the allotment act

Two_Sheds

There are no restrictions on keeping bees. You can keep them in your back garden, but it would be wise to ask your neighbours if they have any objections

We don't have a garden just a back yard 4m x 4m the only restriction I have is the OH .
I will buy her a bee suit so she can peg out the washing

baldrick
The bee man on our allotment has hives rent free on a local farmers fields

We have just livestock farms in the area and farmers have no need or interest in bees
other than trying to rent out disused field for extortionate amount of cash.

I think it's time for another letter to the councillor

[hamamelis]

Around here, the local beekeepers run a scheme to set up in other people's gardens- if you've got a local beekeeping group, it'd be worth asking if they know anyone, or have any other ideas.

[Two_Sheds]

We don't have a garden just a back yard 4m x 4m the only restriction I have is the OH .
I will buy her a bee suit so she can peg out the washing

No mate, you will hang out the washing

[hailtryfan]

We have just livestock farms in the area and farmers have no need or interest in bees
other than trying to rent out disused field for extortionate amount of cash.

You might find if you offer the farmer a few jars of honey as rent, they would find you a nice out of the way corner for your apiary.

My allotment site won't allow me to keep bees so I approached a few farmers. Second one I asked was more than happy to help. He let me site my hives between an arable field and one containing horses which the bees don't bother at all :-)

[veggiechicken]

No mate, you will hang out the washing

Just don't hang it under the bee's flight path or you'll have to wash it all over again!

[northepaul]

I have seen some people put them on their flat roofs when they dont have any room? Could be a thought??!!

[baldrick]

Just don't hang it under the bee's flight path or you'll have to wash it all over again!

why do they drop poos like pigeons do?

[veggiechicken]

why do they drop poos like pigeons do?

Oh yes!! Little specks of yellow. They're house trained and only do it outside the hive. Takes ages training each bee!
Seriously, (I'm trying really hard) its something to remember when you site your hive/and clothes line and think about your neighbours' washing too.