Kingswood is a large suburb on the east edge of Bristol, a historic coal-mining settlement in the Forest of Kingswood that is now home to a sizeable population and connected to the Avon Severn levels countryside to the east. The Bristol BKA covers the area, and the surrounding landscape — the old colliery reclamation grasslands and hedgerow-oak country of the Hanham and Mangotsfield fringe, the Avon riverside willows and watermeadow margins at Hanham Mills, the old orchard and allotment country of the Staple Hill fringe and the parkland limes of Oldland Common — gives local bees a varied suburban and country-fringe season.
Collectors regularly attend swarms in the older garden remnants and hedgerow oaks of the Staple Hill and Two Mile Hill conservation areas, along the Avon riverside willows and watermeadow margins at Hanham Mills and Conham River Park, in the old orchard and allotment plots of the Mangotsfield and Oldland fringe, and in the chimney stacks and eaves of the older Victorian and Edwardian properties.
Nearest BBKA-affiliated associations to help with swarm collection and local advice.
bs313ep· approx. 6 km
Visit websiteBS1 4QS· approx. 7 km
Visit websiteBA2 9JA· approx. 11 km
Visit websiteAssociation data sourced from the British Beekeepers Association directory via SwarmBase.
The early flow rides on blackthorn, cherry plum and hawthorn in Ashton Court and the Downs. The lime avenues of Clifton, Redland and central Bristol produce a classic urban June crop. Ashton Court oaks and sweet chestnut contribute; bramble blankets the Avon Gorge and the old rail corridors of the harbour. Rosebay willowherb and buddleia pick up the post-industrial brownfield; ivy on the high garden walls of Victorian terraces closes the year. Himalayan balsam along the Frome is a summer supplement.
More on beekeeping in BristolReport it in under a minute and a trained local beekeeper will arrange safe collection.
