Sustainability

Responsible Development

When we first began, our focus was simple: producing high-quality honey and helping people understand the fascinating world of bees. Over time, though, we realised that caring for bees also means caring for the bigger picture — the landscapes, plants, and communities that make their world (and ours) thrive. Each new project has pushed us to think more deeply about how we can do better for the environment and for future generations.

Today, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From how we manage our hives to the materials we choose, we’re constantly learning, adapting, and finding ways to reduce our footprint. Every decision — no matter how small — is guided by respect for nature and the ecosystems our bees depend on.

Looking ahead, our next project takes that commitment even further. We want the facility itself to embody sustainability — not just through the practices inside it, but in its very design and construction. We’re working toward a space that showcases environmentally responsible building, celebrates great architecture, and stands as a living example of how thoughtful design and sustainability can work hand in hand.

Wind
Tree

A wind turbine designed to harness wind energy using many small, leaf-like microturbines instead of traditional large blades.

Solar
Panels

Harnessing our own green energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels by utilising solar panels on the roofs of our buildings.

Algae
Chargers

Living, self-sustaining energy systems that turn sunlight and water into electricity using the natural power of photosynthesis.

Local wildlife & Unusual Species

Our wildlife gardens and careful approach to managing the grounds helps to boost biodiversity, supports local wildlife and provides habitats for unusual and rare species.

Green
Roof

Minimising the impact of our buildings by blending them into the landscape with the use of clever architecture and green roofs.

Pollination

Our green spaces support a range of insects by providing food, shelter and habitat for these important pollinators, who in turn support our plant life to reproduce and thrive.

Water
Turbine

Generating electricity by transforming the force of flowing water into clean, renewable energy.

Low Impact
Farming

Work with the land in a way that is sustainable for future generations by reducing resource use, protecting ecosystems, and maintaining soil health.

Wind
Tree

A wind turbine designed to harness wind energy using many small, leaf-like microturbines instead of traditional large blades.

Solar
Panels

Harnessing our own green energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels by utilising solar panels on the roofs of our buildings.

Algae
Chargers

Living, self-sustaining energy systems that turn sunlight and water into electricity using the natural power of photosynthesis.

Local wildlife & Unusual Species

Our wildlife gardens and careful approach to managing the grounds helps to boost biodiversity, supports local wildlife and provides habitats for unusual and rare species.

Green
Roof

Minimising the impact of our buildings by blending them into the landscape with the use of clever architecture and green roofs.

Pollination

Our green spaces support a range of insects by providing food, shelter and habitat for these important pollinators, who in turn support our plant life to reproduce and thrive.

Water
Turbine

Generating electricity by transforming the force of flowing water into clean, renewable energy.

Low Impact
Farming

Work with the land in a way that is sustainable for future generations by reducing resource use, protecting ecosystems, and maintaining soil health.

Biodiversity

Responsible beekeeping is fantastic for biodiversity and we’re extremely proud that in recent years we’ve hugely diversified the wildlife in our local area – with popular visitors to our grounds including Herons, Kingfishers, Deer, Kestrels, Merlins, Sparrowhawks, Kites, Bee Eaters, Potter Wasps, Humming Bird Hawkmoths and even Death’s Head Hawkmoths which are incredibly rare in the UK!

Green Energy

Our business has always been about supporting nature and pollinators. Since 2025 our whole site has benefitted from green energy through the installation of a 50kw solar energy system on the restaurant and shop building, made possible with a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

While solar has been our largest renewable energy project so far, it’s not where the story ends. We’re also using renewables such as wind trees, algae tanks and a water turbine in the river that runs through the site.

Landscaping

Our attention to landscaping is what helps our bees thrive and what helps us boost our local ecosystem. This has always been a big part of the Nectar Gardens at Quince Honey Farm, but will be a big focus for the wider Hive project with specific landscaping for our new Sculpture trail!

Impact On The Local Area

When we developed the new site for The Hive we used a ‘Working With Nature’ policy designed to minimise our impact and even have a good effect wherever possible. We used all local suppliers and tradespeople for the build (the furthest away being Barnstaple). Throughout the business we employ and train many talented local people.