The Duchy of Lancaster has announced a new Beekeeping Grant to encourage its farm tenants to support the country’s rapidly declining bee population.
The grant is offering start up support for tenants or interested parties who wish to take up beekeeping on its land. It will provide aid for the equipment required to begin keeping bees as well as to cover the cost of training courses delivered by the network of Local Beekeeping Associations and the British Beekeeping Association.
In recent years the number of beekeepers in the UK has declined and bees are in reducing in number. Bees are instrumental to the agriculture industry and the wider environment.
Nathan Thompson, chief executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “As custodian of the land with significant interest in the long-term viability of the countryside, we are seeking means to help promote bees and beekeeping within our Surveys.
“As one of the main hindrances for aspiring beekeepers is the associated start-up cost, we are proposing to offer a Grant to cover the initial cost should any of the Duchy’s tenants wish to keep bees. The Grant will cover a beginners beekeeping course officiated by a beekeeping association, essential equipment including a hive, safety wear and honey extractor as well as the first swarm of bees which will used to begin honey production.”
