New Centre to boost bee conservation in Dorset

This autumn, the picturesque countryside of North Dorset will welcome a new sanctuary for honeybees.

The North Dorset Beekeepers Association is spearheading an ambitious project near Blandford, designed to tell everyone about honeybees and how we can support them.

A new centre will serve as both a learning and community hub, offering training for new beekeepers and skill development for existing ones. It will also function as an educational resource for schools and other visiting groups.

The facility will become a “bee paradise”, featuring expansive fields filled with trees and nectar-rich shrubs, sustainably crafted hives, and a workspace dedicated to studying bee health and behaviour.

Thanks to the support of local residents, generous donations, and grants from the Capital Leverage Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund managed by Dorset Council, North Dorset Beekeepers have raised £200,000 to build this eco-friendly centre.

Robbie Baird, Chair of Trustees, said, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make our vision a reality. Our current site is difficult to access, and our workshops are held in a church hall, far from the hives.

“The new location at Holloway Farm, leased to us by Dorset Council for a peppercorn rent, provides ample space for both the new building and thriving bee colonies in the grounds, and will be accessible to all.”

The eco-friendly centre will include single-level access, parking for more than 20 cars, an education room, a honey bottling room, kitchen, and toilets with disabled facilities.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said: “We are pleased to be working with communities and partners to build a thriving, sustainable future while enhancing the natural environment that makes Dorset so special.

“Honeybees are crucial for food production and play a significant role in pollinating crops and supporting the wider environment. Without them, our food chain would be severely affected.  It’s great to see such an important conservation project a step closer to completion.”

By planting bee-friendly flowers and buying local honey, everyone can contribute to bee conservation.

If you want to find out more about bees and courses run by North Dorset Beekeepers, visit the website:

North Dorset Beekeepers