The Bee Observatory

The Bee Observatory is our resident bee education and conservation project. Unlike traditional bee-keeping which focuses on taking honey from bees, this project is focused on education through observing bees in natural conditions. Volunteers are creating new bee habitats on the farm, and regular open days allow visitors to get up close with the bees and learn about their amazing ways. Keep an eye on our events page for more info. Formerly a tenant in their own right, in 2023 the Oakbrook team agreed to bring The Bee Observatory in house and incorporate it as an integral part of the farm.

The best way to get involved with the Bee Observatory is to come along to one of our volunteering sessions which are listed on our events page. 

We are planning to build up our bee colonies with a mix of managed and wild hives.  We want to develop a natural beekeeping hub for beekeepers in Stroud. 

Currently, we have a mix of top bar hives, log hives, and bespoke hexagonal hives. The Bee Observatory is located at the centre of the farm, where hives are protected by vegetation and have an abundance nectar and pollen from Spring to Summer.