A community food garden in West Parley near Bournemouth is celebrating three years of fostering honeybees. Nourish Community began working with Bee Mission in 2022 to provide hives on its land.
The garden was founded by brothers Nick and Rich Stone after the Covid pandemic to encourage sustainable food growing. Their aim was to build a resilient food system supporting growers, households, and local organisations.
Bee Mission installed its first two foster hives at Nourish Community in 2022. The site’s mix of wildflowers, countryside, and river access made it an ideal home for bees.
Rich Stone said the first summer was extraordinary, with the garden “literally buzzing” with life. He added that weed killers used by developers later caused problems for colonies.
After speaking with local developers, spraying was reduced near the garden. Rich now calls for wider restrictions on bee-harming pesticides and greater efforts to create pollinator-friendly spaces.
Bee Mission Director Amy Foster said Nourish Community was the first site to support the charity. Since then, 63 hives have been placed across Dorset, Hampshire, and beyond.
The Stones say their experience has strengthened their mission to educate residents on the importance of pollinators. They encourage people to plant flowers, shrubs, and trees that provide food for bees year-round.
Nourish Community continues to host events and workshops to promote sustainable food growing and biodiversity. More information is available on their website.
