black and white bed linen

Ashdown Forest Honey produce pure, raw, unprocessed honey.

Buy direct and support our busy bees in Fairwarp.

What makes our Ashdown Forest Honey so special?

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Ashdown Forest, our bees forage among wildflowers, ancient woodlands, and heather-covered hills, creating a unique, raw honey with a distinctive taste reflective of this unspoiled landscape.

What makes Ashdown Forest Honey truly special is its purity and provenance. We produce our honey in small batches using traditional beekeeping methods that prioritize the health of our bees and the preservation of their natural environment. Each jar is unprocessed, unfiltered, and naturally rich in enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants — a true taste of nature.

Enjoying Ashdown Forest Honey isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a boost for your well-being. Raw honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to support your immune system. Its natural sugars provide a healthier energy source, while its soothing qualities can ease sore throats and promote digestive health.

By choosing Ashdown Forest Honey, you’re not only savoring a delicious, natural product but also supporting sustainable, eco-friendly beekeeping practices that help maintain the vital balance of our local ecosystem. Taste the essence of the Ashdown Forest — naturally sweet, authentically wild, and wonderfully nourishing.

Jar of golden honey with a honey dipper dripping honey, set against a warm background.
Jar of golden honey with a honey dipper dripping honey, set against a warm background.

The health benefits of eating raw, unprocessed honey.

Raw honey from Ashdown Forest is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a natural powerhouse packed with health benefits.

Because our honey is unpasteurised and minimally filtered, it retains all the beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that nature intended.

1. Immune System Support
Raw honey is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and support a healthy immune system. Its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties can aid in fighting off minor infections.

2. Soothing for Coughs and Throats
A spoonful of raw honey is a time-honoured remedy for soothing sore throats and easing coughs. Its natural enzymes create a gentle coating that brings relief and comfort.

3. Digestive Health
The natural enzymes in raw honey can support healthy digestion by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. A small amount daily can help maintain gut balance and aid digestion.

4. Energy Boost
Raw honey is a perfect natural energy source, thanks to its blend of natural sugars and trace minerals. It provides a quick, sustained energy boost, making it an ideal pre- or post-exercise snack.

5. Seasonal Allergy Relief
Consuming local raw honey may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms over time. By exposing your system to small amounts of local pollen, your body can build resistance, acting like a natural antihistamine for some allergy sufferers.

6. Skin and Wound Care
Applied topically, raw honey has been used for centuries to promote wound healing and soothe skin irritations due to its antimicrobial properties.

Every jar of Ashdown Forest Honey is a gift from nature—pure, raw, and bursting with health-enhancing goodness.

Enjoy it as a natural sweetener, a daily health boost, or simply straight from the spoon!

Close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a purple flower
Close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a purple flower
A small group of bees working on a golden honeycomb, showcasing their intricate wax crafting skill
A small group of bees working on a golden honeycomb, showcasing their intricate wax crafting skill
Hand holding a honey dipper dripping golden honey into a glass jar, creating a warm scene
Hand holding a honey dipper dripping golden honey into a glass jar, creating a warm scene

The history and tradition of Beekeeping in Ashdown Forest

Beekeeping has deep roots in the rich history of Ashdown Forest, a landscape shaped by centuries of rural traditions. This ancient heathland, with its diverse flora and protected woodlands, has long been a haven for bees and beekeepers alike.

An Ancient Practice
Records of beekeeping in Ashdown Forest date back hundreds of years, when local communities relied on bees for honey—a precious source of sweetness and nourishment before the widespread availability of sugar. Beeswax was equally valuable, used for making candles, waterproofing, and even sealing documents.

Heathland Heritage
The unique heathland environment of Ashdown Forest, with its wildflowers, heather, and ancient woodlands, has provided ideal forage for bees throughout history. Traditional beekeepers placed hives near these nectar-rich habitats to ensure strong, healthy colonies and bountiful honey harvests.

Bee Guardians of the Forest
Historically, beekeepers were considered vital guardians of the natural environment. They understood the importance of preserving the land for both bees and humans. This respect for nature continues today, as modern beekeepers work to maintain sustainable practices that protect pollinators and their habitats.

Keeping Tradition Alive
At Ashdown Forest Honey, we are proud to carry on this time-honoured tradition. Our beekeeping methods blend age-old practices with modern knowledge to create raw, natural honey that reflects the unique character of the forest.

Every jar is a tribute to the bees, the land, and the generations of beekeepers who have cared for them in this extraordinary place.

Beekeeper in protective gear using a smoker to tend to colorful hives in a lush garden setting
Beekeeper in protective gear using a smoker to tend to colorful hives in a lush garden setting