Amanda’s interest in beekeeping goes all the way back to helping her grandfather tend to his bees when she was a child. Fast forward five decades, and she’s now a well known beekeeper in this corner of Leicestershire. Her commitment knows no bounds, especially during the hectic swarm-catching period from April onwards. And she’s not just dedicated to honeybees, but all pollinators, and has even invested in equipment to help people to deal with bumble bees, despite them not contributing commercially to her business. 

Her relationship with Wagtail Storage started during the renovation of her family home. Later on, when she need a place to securely store her growing collection of beekeeping equipment, she again turned to Wagtail.

Her unit becomes a beekeeper’s winter wonderland—packed full during the cold months and much more spacious over the summer when the gear is out and in use.

But the most exciting tie up between Amanda and Wagtail is the Wagtail Apiary – a testament to Amanda’s excellent beekeeping and Tim Wagstaff’s curiosity. Located just a couple of fields away from Wagtail’s main storage yard, this apiary has everything a colony could wish for: abundant food, beautiful surroundings, and surrounded by herbal leys that offer the ideal environment for bees and other pollinators.

Surprisingly, Tim himself has yet to visit this buzzing sanctuary. We think it’s high time for him to don a bee suit and make the acquaintance of his tiny, winged tenants!

Of course, Amanda’s dedication to beekeeping, and Tim’s willingness to support it at Wagtail, isn’t just a personal passion – it’s a nod to a greater ecological concern. Pollinators like honey bees are vital for food production and biodiversity. Their decline could disrupt ecosystems and food chains, underscoring the need for more sustainable practices and awareness. We like to think that the Wagtail Apiary doesn’t just provide a home for some of Amanda’s colonies; it serves as a miniature conservation area, contributing to this greater cause. 

And they make great honey too! 

We are so grateful to Amanda for taking the time to give us such an immersive experience of the Wagtail Apiary, and teaching us so much about beekeeping! 

Botany Bees has its annual Bee Festival coming up this Sunday 3rd September at Bawdon Lodge Farm, LE12 9YE. It’s a great opportunity to learn a bit more about these wonderful creatures and their keepers – and to pick up a jar of delicious Single Hive Honey. 

And of course, if you have your own story to share, or wish to experience the extraordinary community at Wagtail Storage firsthand, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.