The story behind Ashdown Forest Honey

Hello !

I’m Robert Clark, the beekeeper behind Ashdown Forest Honey. My journey into beekeeping began right here at Ghylls Plat in Duddleswell, where my family and I have lived for over 20 years as commoners of Ashdown Forest.

In 2023, a local beekeeper first placed a couple of hives in our one-acre wildlife garden, sparking a deep fascination with bees. By 2024, I had taken over caring for the hives myself, turning a shared passion for nature into a dedicated beekeeping venture.

Our Wildlife Haven
Our garden is much more than an apiary—it’s a thriving habitat designed with nature in mind. We’ve dedicated much of our land to supporting wildlife and sustainable living. Bees, butterflies, reptiles and birds find refuge among the wildflowers, orchard trees, and natural spaces.

A Connection to the Forest
Living on Ashdown Forest has shaped how we care for our bees. The rich, diverse flora of the heathland, combined with our commitment to eco-friendly gardening, allows our bees to produce exceptional, raw honey that reflects the unique character of this ancient landscape.

Every jar of Ashdown Forest Honey is a celebration of nature, beekeeping tradition, and the special bond between bees, people, and this remarkable place we are fortunate to call home.

A Gentle, Low-Intervention Approach

We see ourselves not as honey farmers, but as bee shepherds — quietly watching over the bees as they follow their natural rhythms.

Our beekeeping style is deliberately low-intervention. We don’t chase maximum yields or open the hives more than needed. Instead, we focus on giving the colony space, peace, and the time it needs to thrive.

This slower, more respectful approach means our honey is gathered only when it's reached perfection, always in small batches, and only when the bees can spare it.

The result is honey that’s true to its time and place — raw, unhurried, and full of character. Just as the bees made it.