Urban bees produce bumper honey harvest

Bees kept in Hull's industrial heartland have produced a bumper honey harvest.

Rooted in Hull, a not-for-profit community group which sees volunteers grow fruit and vegetables on the banks of the River Hull in St Peter's Street, acquired its first hive in 2021.

Manager Martin King said about 100 jars of "Urban Honey" had been produced this year - more than in previous years.

He said: "Some beekeepers complained about the poor weather at the start of the year but we've done well. We think the bees have been visiting all the lovely gardens in Victoria Dock."

Mr King added: "We now have three hives, with up to 50,000 beers in each during the summer.

"We have increased the number of bee-friendly plants and flowers we have in the garden, and we're seeing the results."

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Mr King said the hives were built by young people who attend the city's Warren Youth Project.

"The labels were designed by a Hull Prison inmate studying for a graphic design qualification," he added.

Jars of Urban Honey will go on sale at Green Fair 24, a sale organised by the Hull and East Riding branch of Friends of the Earth, at Hull Minister on Saturday.

"We've asking for £7 per jar," said Mr King. "But if you're skint, we'll take a fiver. If you feel like helping us out, we're suggesting a tenner."

Proceeds from sales of the honey will go back into Rooted in Hull, said Mr King.

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