How It All Began
I’m Henry, the beekeeper behind Eden Honey Bees.
I keep bees across several apiaries in North Shropshire, producing small batches of raw honey and raising nucleus colonies for both new and experienced beekeepers.
Like a lot of people, I started with one hive. At the time, I was already growing fruit and vegetables at home, keeping chickens, and making cider in small batches, so keeping bees felt like a natural next step.
What started as an interest in producing honey quickly became something much bigger. The more time I spent around bees, the more I wanted to properly understand how colonies work throughout the season and what they need to thrive.
My Approach to Beekeeping
I’ve always been quite methodical by nature, and beekeeping suits that well.
I keep detailed records, pay close attention to the weather, and try to stay ahead of what the bees are likely to need next. Most mornings start with checking conditions before I even get to the apiaries.
I prefer calm, steady hive inspections with as little disruption as possible. I use minimal smoke, move slowly, and try to work with the bees rather than against them. Quite often, good beekeeping comes down to timing, observation, and knowing when to leave a colony alone.
The Hives & Equipment I Use
I’m also interested in practical equipment that genuinely improves things for both the bees and the beekeeper. Over the years I’ve gradually moved towards modern Langstroth systems and durable equipment that allows me to work efficiently while keeping colonies strong and consistent.
For more about the bees and equipment I use, visit:
Beekeeping in North Shropshire
I currently manage apiaries in areas including Myddle, Lyneal, and near Ruyton XI Towns, with each site bringing slightly different forage and conditions throughout the year.
That variation is part of what makes raw honey so interesting. The flavour, colour, and texture can change noticeably across the season depending on what the bees are foraging on at the time.
Spring honey from North Shropshire is often light and naturally set, while later harvests can stay runnier and develop more floral flavours.
You can learn more about the different locations here:
Life Beyond The Hives
Outside of beekeeping I’m usually still outdoors somewhere - in the vegetable garden, looking after the chickens and pigs, or cooking outside when the weather allows.
The children often join me during hive inspections in the school holidays and are gradually learning their way around the bees too.