The honey has been collected from four beehives in the historic Walled Garden, where the colonies are looked after by volunteers from the Swindon & District Beekeepers Association.
The jars are now on sale at the Coach House Tea Rooms, giving visitors the chance to buy honey produced entirely within one of Swindon’s best-known parks.
Councillor Leanne Stevenson recently visited the Walled Garden with Councillor Jake Chandler to see the bees and the first batch of honey following the harvest.
Leanne said:
“Yesterday, I visited the stunning Walled Garden at Lydiard Park along with Cllr Jake Chandler, where the first jars of pure Lydiard Park honey have been harvested, and they’re looking fantastic.
“Huge thanks to our brilliant beekeepers from the Swindon & District Beekeepers Association, who care for the four active hives tucked inside this incredible historic space.”
She said the bees are playing a key role in supporting biodiversity across the estate.
She added:
“Seeing the hives and walled gardens full of bees was a real highlight. They don’t just make honey, they’re vital to the biodiversity that keeps the Walled Garden and the wider park thriving.
“Every plant, every blossom, every burst of colour depends on pollinators like these. Seeing that ecosystem in action is a reminder of why protecting bees matters so much for Swindon’s green spaces.”
The honey project has been developing over several months.
During World Bee Day celebrations in May, Lydiard Park announced that the four hives were thriving under the care of local beekeepers and hoped favourable weather and forage conditions would allow for a summer harvest.
The hives are based within Lydiard Park’s restored 18th century Walled Garden, which is home to ornamental flower beds, fruit trees and seasonal planting.
The garden has undergone extensive restoration in recent years, including the planting of thousands of bulbs and pollinator-friendly plants to support bees and other wildlife while preserving the historic setting.
Leanne added:
“Only 30 jars are available from this first harvest, well, 28 after Jake and I visited. Pop into the Coach House Tea Rooms to grab a jar and take a moment to enjoy the garden, plants and locally made products.
“We’re proud to champion projects that support pollinators, boost biodiversity and celebrate the natural beauty of Lydiard Park.”
The Swindon & District Beekeepers Association manages the hives and supports beekeepers across Wiltshire through training, education and practical apiaries, helping both new and experienced members develop their skills while promoting healthy bee populations across the county.
All photos: Leanne Stevenson
