Life at the Apiary
Beekeeping follows the rhythm of the seasons.
Spring brings renewed activity and the growth of the colony. Summer is a busy period of foraging, inspections and honey production. Autumn is a time to prepare the bees for the months ahead. During winter, the colony gathers closely inside the hive while the beekeeper monitors its stores and wellbeing.
Small Creatures, Essential Work
Bees and other pollinating insects help flowering plants reproduce by carrying pollen between flowers. This supports wild plants, gardens, habitats and food production.
Northern Ireland is home to honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees, alongside other important pollinators such as hoverflies, butterflies and moths. Pollinators help plants to fruit and reproduce, while managed honeybees contribute to local food production and the wider environment.
Beekeeping gives us a close view of this relationship between insects, plants, weather and the changing seasons. It also reminds us that honeybees are only part of a much wider pollinator community.
Discover Belmont Apiary
Whether you are looking for local honey, a handcrafted beeswax product or a closer connection with the world of bees, we would love to hear from you.
The role of the beekeeper
Responsible beekeeping requires patience, observation and ongoing learning.
Throughout the active season, the beekeeper checks the health and development of each colony, monitors food stores and available space, and looks for signs that the bees may need support.
The aim is not to control every part of the colony. It is to understand its natural behaviour and provide careful management when required.
Honeybees and wild pollinators
Honeybees are an important part of our pollinator community, but they are not the only bees around us.
Bumblebees and solitary bees also perform essential pollination work, alongside hoverflies, butterflies, moths and other insects. Northern Ireland’s pollinators visit flowers and transfer pollen, helping plants to reproduce and produce fruit.
Supporting bees therefore means thinking beyond the hive. Gardens, public spaces, farms and businesses can all provide food, shelter and safer habitats for pollinating insects.
Helping pollinators
Simple Ways to Help
- Grow a range of flowering plants so that food is available across different seasons.
- Allow some areas of grass or garden to grow less frequently.
- Choose plants that provide accessible pollen and nectar.
- Avoid using pesticides unnecessarily.
- Leave suitable places for wild pollinators to shelter or nest.
- Learn to recognise the different bees and pollinating insects in your area.
- Record pollinator sightings through an appropriate local monitoring project.
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026–2030 is a voluntary framework that brings communities, businesses, farmers and public bodies together to create better conditions for pollinating insects and wider biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Do all bees make honey?
No. Honeybees produce and store honey for the colony, but many other types of bees have very different lifestyles and do not produce harvestable honey.
Why does honey vary between batches?
The plants available to the bees change throughout the season. Weather and local flowering conditions can therefore influence the colour, aroma, consistency and flavour of each harvest.
Is crystallised honey still good?
Crystallisation is a natural process. Its speed and texture can vary depending on the composition of the honey and how it is stored.
Do you remove all the honey from the hive?
No. The needs of the colony come first, and honey is harvested only when an appropriate surplus is available.
Can I visit the apiary?
The apiary is not currently open to visitors