How much space do you need to keep bees? (And how to keep them safe from thieves)

[Samuel1988]

Evening all,

Just been clearing out some weeds on the back of my plot and I have currently an area of 2 metres by 1.5 metres. Is this sufficient for a hive and enough room space?

I can extend its width a bit.

Also, what measures can I do to stop anyone pinching my hive as its on my allotment?

Many thanks,

Samuel

[sparrow100]

Sorry if this is a basic question, but have you checked your tenancy agreement to see what you need to do to keep bees & if you need to get permission or not? Are there other hives on your site? I only ask as we have quite a few on our site, so it's unlikely more will be allowed at the moment. Ours are tucked away from plots and are in a clearing made in a large patch of brambles - there were a few instances of plotholders being stung when hives were amongst the plots.

2m x 1.5m doesn't seem like that much - you need clear space around to get at the hive- but the British Beekeepers Ass. should be able to give you some good advice as well as people on here.

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
Just to add what sparrow100 says you need special insurance as well. I looked into it at a previous site. Insurance is there for theft but also in case anyone gets stung. Yep I know people get stung all the time and they'd have difficulty proving its actually one of your bees.
Also it had to be put before the other allotment holders about the hives being on site. You also need to get specialist first aid kits on site in case someone is stung and they have a reaction to it. I know again they'd need to prove it was your bee but there we go. There was one lady at the previous site and her daughter was allergic to bee stings so she said she didn't object to having the bees by her plot just worried for her daughter.

[muddled]

The insurance is not a problem, membership of the national association of beekeepers includes insurance for up to four hives with generous levels of third party cover.
The rules regarding the first aid kit, well those must be rules stipulated by that particular allotment site, not a rule I ever came across.
You don't need a lot of space, but you DO need excellent access.
When you take your frames, laden with honey, the bees will be VERY keen to get it back. You really cannot be wandering around the plots...meandering towards a car park....with fifty thousand irate bees in your wake. So you will ideally want to be able to back a car up pretty close.

The only way to protect against thieves and vandals is to prevent them knowing the hive is there. It's expensive kits, retains it's retail value second hand.....and that's without a few hundred quids worth of bees and honey in it.
Teenage boys seem irresistably drawn to damaging hives round here lately. I guess with poly greenhouses they are missing the tinkle of broken glass. Angry bees make a good noise though eh?

[Madasafish]

Re theft:

I paint my hives in greens and browns so they don't stand out and site them hidden by hedges or trees .. And when I tend to them, no white suits but camo...