The buzzing beekeeper who turned a passion into a thriving business

The humble bee will forever be intertwined with Manchester, a symbol of the city’s industrious spirit.

And now, thanks to the dedication of the Manchester Honey Company, thousands of bees are enriching the natural landscape of Trafford while delivering jars of hyperlocal honey.

The Manchester Honey Company

In quiet corners of Trafford’s parks and green spaces, there’s some serious graft taking place. But it’s not humans working hard.

The Manchester Honey Company has partnered with Trafford Council, Amey, and other organisations to create secluded apiaries, where up to 80,000 bees per hive work tirelessly to pollinate and produce golden, local honey.

What started as an idea eight years ago has now blossomed into a network of 200 hives producing award-winning honey while nurturing the environment.

For local residents who scoop up jars of honey at events or online, the surprise lies in the flavours. No two jars taste the same, a feature that sets Manchester Honey Company’s product apart from supermarket shelves.

“Our hives draw attention from dog walkers, families, and skateboarders who stop and ask about the bees,” explained Gareth Trehearn, a long-time bee keeping enthusiast.

“People love that our honey starts with the nectar from the flowers in their neighbourhoods. Stretford honey tastes completely different from Urmston honey. It’s a reflection of the land.”

Trafford’s Bees

The latest addition to the buzzing initiative lies in Lostock Park, Trafford Park, where council leader Cllr Tom Ross recently visited to witness the magic firsthand. Standing among the neatly fenced-off beehives, Ross explored the honey-making process alongside beekeeping expert Gareth Trehearn and his wife, Louise.

“This project is truly something special,” Cllr Ross enthused as he sampled different honey varieties.

“We are delighted to support this initiative: it aligns perfectly with our mission to tackle climate change and boost biodiversity across Trafford.”

The pandemic’s unexpected silver lining

Gareth’s beekeeping journey took off during the pandemic, when his usual cleaning business came to a standstill.

What began as a personal passion soon grew into something much larger, an enterprise dedicated to expanding Trafford’s network of hives.

Today, apiaries are flourishing at locations such as Suez in Trafford Park, Turn Moss in Stretford, allotments in Urmston, and sites in Altrincham and Timperley.

But the mission doesn’t stop at honey. The Manchester Honey Company also crafts beeswax candles, soap, and lip balm, infusing every product with the essence of local nature. They regularly support school fairs, spreading the message about the vital role bees play in preserving ecosystems.

Creating a haven for bees and biodiversity in Manchester

Trafford Council’s commitment to greening the borough means that bees aren’t the only beneficiaries of improved biodiversity.

Many Trafford parks now feature wildflower meadows, orchards, and woodland trees, creating new habitats for wildlife while providing beautiful spaces for visitors.

Collaborations with organisations like City of Trees and The Conservation Volunteers keep these projects thriving.

In the future, Gareth and his team hope to launch a volunteer programme, inviting local residents to play a role in maintaining the hives while learning firsthand about these small yet mighty creatures.

From Manchester’s proud bee emblem to the flourishing hives of Trafford, there’s no doubt that this partnership is making a lasting impact.

As flowers bloom and bees buzz across the borough, they carry with them the story of a city that knows the value of hard work and community.

The Manchester Honey Company

You can find out more about the Manchester Honey Company by clicking here