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Written question asked by Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 14 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Beekeeping: Safety

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of safety protocols for beekeeping activity near (a) residential areas and (b) public rights of way.

Answer

Defra advises beekeepers that apiaries should be sited away from neighbours, footpaths or public areas to minimise the risk of members of the public being stung. It is possible for experienced beekeepers to safely manage bees in a garden area, although usual practice is to site them well away from neighbours and fence colonies in with a hedge or panelled fencing - this encourages bees to fly higher, above the heads of anyone nearby.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
67751
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Housing Safety Beekeeping Rights of way
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk