As Spring transforms into the green tones of early summer, we catch up with Lucy at Honeymakers to reflect on what has been an extraordinary spring season. The countryside has come alive, and their bees have been working as hard as Viktor and his team of beekeepers.

The story of Honeymakers began in 2009, but the roots stretch back much further. Lead beekeeper Viktor's journey with bees started as a young child on his family farm in Ukraine, where he received his first sting at the age of two. He didn’t know it, but this would start a lifelong passion. Viktor often tells visitors that no matter how much he thinks he knows, each season brings new lessons.This philosophy has proven especially true this year, as the bees have surprised the team with their early activity and exceptional productivity.

The Busy Season Begins

May is traditionally one of the busiest months for both bees and their keepers, and this year has been no exception for the Honeymakers team. The colonies have been in full expansion mode, with queens laying eggs at their maximum rate—sometimes up to 2,000 eggs per day. The sound of their hives buzzing with activity has been music to the team's ears, a testament to the health of their bee families.

Thanks to an unusually warm spring, this season began earlier than usual, and Team Honeymakers has been matching the bees' energy since March. The early start has allowed their colonies to build strength and numbers ahead of schedule, setting the stage for what promises to be an exceptional honey harvest.

Liquid Gold from the Cotswolds

The team has just completed the extraction of this year's spring honey, and they couldn't be more thrilled with the results. While Cotswold Spring Honey has long been celebrated for its purity and unique flavours, this year's crop has exceeded even their expectations. The bees have been foraging across a diverse tapestry of wildflowers, hedgerows, and tree blossoms, creating a honey that truly captures the essence of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.

This year's spring harvest presents a light, smooth, floral blend with distinctive notes of sycamore, hawthorn, and wild cherry. Each jar tells the story of the Cotswolds' awakening—from the first tentative blossoms of early spring to the full flourish of May's abundant flowers. It's a reminder that no two seasons are ever the same, and each year brings its own unique signature to Honeymakers' honey.

Looking Ahead

As they enter June —the crucial month for beekeepers—all hands are on deck preparing for the summer honey flow. Viktor and his team are ensuring that each hive has ample space for growth, often adding extra "super" boxes in anticipation of the sweet golden bounty to come.

The summer flow represents the pinnacle of the beekeeping year, when their colonies will be at their strongest and most productive. It's a time of both excitement and intense focus, as they work to support their bees through this critical period while preparing for the harvest that will sustain them through the quieter months ahead.

In Harmony with Nature

At Honeymakers, they're more than just honey producers—they're partners with their bees, stewards of the Cotswolds countryside, and custodians of a tradition that connects them to the land and the seasons. Each jar of honey they produce carries with it the story of their bees' journeys, the flowers they've visited, and the care they've taken to ensure their wellbeing.

As they move into the heart of summer, the team is grateful for the lessons this spring has taught them, excited about the season ahead, and proud to share the fruits of their bees' labour with honey lovers everywhere. Here's to the sweet journey that lies ahead for Honeymakers—may it be as golden and rewarding as the season they're leaving behind.