Donald has been a dairy farmer for over 40 years and now he is applying the same breeding principles he has practised with cows to bees. It all started about four years ago when a friend moved to France and left behind some 22 hives in need of care so “in at the deep end” Don quickly learnt – it was tough at first as not only was it necessary to learn all about the practice of beekeeping but the viroah disease was causing havoc and the weather making life difficult (wet summers and very cold and long winters).

Anyway to cut a long story short persistence has paid off and now Don with the help of Tomek looks after about 40 hives and supplies Mere Brook’s guests with honey at breakfast or to purchase. James our chef also enjoys using our own honey in his cooking.

Donald has even got his own website so do take a look – www.merebrookbees.co.uk