Godshill Orchards was planted in 1996 and has always relied upon bees for the pollination of the fruit. Research has shown bees are under extreme stress due to a number of factors which are yet not fully identified. We, as an orchard, decided to try to do our part to reverse this trend and three years ago we embarked on a project of protecting the bees. With this in mind we enlarged our apiary and enclosed it and built a viewing room adjacent to it for educational purposes. We further commissioned a specially designed observation hive with cameras so that all bee activity could be viewed and monitored. Research also identified aways in which the bees could assist the well-being of human beings and we commissioned a Bee therapy cabin. These activities are well known in Eastern Europe and in the east but are unfamiliar currently in England and so we have pioneered this work on the Isle of Wight.
Our Bee Expereince
Our bee experience is for up to two people and lasts about two hours. It is all contained on four separate sites within the orchard. It is only a short walk between each location & so they are easily accessed but facilities are available should someone need transport to be delivered directly to the door to each location. Guests are advised not to wear perfume or aftershave as this will masks the benefits of the experience & may interfere with the bees pheromone.
Vivienne’s Larder – Orchard Introduction
There is ample parking directly opposite the orchard in the public car park & in The Old Smithy’s car park. The experience begins at Vivienne’s Larder which is our orchard gate shop. Vivienne Medway died in 2023, Rob’s partner for some 42 years & the shop has been recently renovated in her memory. Outside of the larder are a number of logs, a cool suitable resting place. Here guests will enjoy a short introduction to the history of the orchard and all the current activities.
The Apiary/ Bee Viewing Room
The Viewing room is designed to overlook a secure enclosure which is the location of the ten hives. This gives guests an opportunity to view at close hand the activities of the colonies including landings. take offs & guard bee activities. Here we share the Physiology of the honeybee, details of their lives and the wonderful example they give of collectively living in harmony. This area is also used for the training of potential beekeepers, to show how honey is collected together with other Bee products from the hives.
Here is a further opportunity to ask any questions. to use microscopes to see the amazing bees formation. This area contains a pond designed as the bee watering station and the bee physic garden with herbs associated with bee health. From here a short walk past ‘Cherry Lodge where there is a red squirrel gymnasium and where the squirrels are fed and perform their antics…
Observation Hive
A short walk through the trees brings guests to the canteen where we have installed a specially commissioned observation hive with glass pipe showing all comings & goings. Another opportunity to see the industrious bees all working hard in their allotted roles. Cameras are on hand to show on the big screen all activities in the cells and hopefully identify Her Majesty The Queen. Following that is an opportunity for a honey tasting experience & enjoy making a beeswax candle. Lastly guests are the instruction regarding the time they will spend relaxing/sleeping in the Bee Therapy Cabin.
Bee Therapy Cabin
Another short walk through the fruit trees brings guests to an isolated area of the orchard newly planted with Mulberry & Quince & enclosed with a Willow Trellis. The cabin has 4 separate built-in hives containing up to 200,000 working honeybees. With only a glass of water guests will be able to take advantage of this unique setting, to relax to the sounds & breathe in the refined air – guests of the colonies inside their hive. Finally, guests return, hopefully relaxed & refreshed to collect their belongings.
Taste the amazing bee products, walk through the Godshill Orchards and visit Vivienne’s larder (Farm Shop), stocked with unique juices, jams, chutneys, honey, lavender and much more.
A two-hour experience for two people is £120.
To book your Bee Therapy experience call 07919 406418 or message us using the email enquiry forms below.