Business in Bicester warns about risks facing bees

Key Points

• A & T Hives, a Bicester-based beekeeping business, was established in 2021 by a group of friends turning their passion into a small enterprise.
• The company adopts a sustainable approach, utilising excess honey and wax to produce products without harming the hives.
• Owner Sue Wilkinson emphasised that business success depends on the health and wellbeing of their bees.
• They manage hives year-round to ensure colonies have everything needed and prioritise sustainable beekeeping practices.
• A & T Hives educates the public on threats to honeybees, particularly the invasive Asian hornet.
• The business attends community markets, such as the Carterton Community Market in Marigold Square on Saturday, January 31, displaying a preserved Asian hornet in resin for public viewing.
• They are currently unable to attend Bicester Market due to its Friday scheduling but express interest in participating in the future.
• Products are available at Crafters Emporium in Bicester.
• Upcoming appearances include the Community Market at the John Paul Centre on March 14 and regular attendance at the RAF Heyford Heritage Centre Craft Fair.

Bicester (Oxford Daily), February 4, 2026 – A beekeeping venture in Bicester is spearheading efforts to highlight the perils facing honeybees, blending commercial activity with environmental education amid growing concerns over pollinator decline.

The business, A & T Hives, emerged in 2021 when a group of friends channelled their enthusiasm for beekeeping into a viable small enterprise. Operating from Bicester, it has quickly gained traction by promoting sustainable practices that safeguard bee populations while offering honey and wax-derived products.

What is A & T Hives and How Did It Start?

A & T Hives embodies a commitment to ethical beekeeping, transforming surplus hive materials into marketable goods without compromising colony integrity. As reported by staff writer at the Witney Gazette, the company was “set up in 2021 after a group of friends turned their passion for beekeeping into a small business.”

This origin story underscores a grassroots movement, where personal hobby evolves into community-focused commerce. Images supplied to the Witney Gazette depict the Bicester-based operation, showcasing hives and products that reflect careful stewardship.

Why Does the Business Prioritise Sustainability?

Sustainability forms the cornerstone of A & T Hives’ operations. Owner Sue Wilkinson articulated this ethos clearly: “The business is going well, but it always depends on the health and wellbeing of our bees,” as quoted in the Witney Gazette report.

She further elaborated on their meticulous hive management: “We carefully manage our hives throughout the year to make sure the colonies have everything they need. Everything we make is crafted with respect for the bees, and we prioritise sustainable beekeeping practices.” These statements, attributed directly to Wilkinson via the Witney Gazette, highlight a philosophy that places bee welfare above profit.

By repurposing excess honey and wax, the business minimises waste and hive disruption, setting a model for eco-conscious entrepreneurship. This approach not only sustains the enterprise but also educates consumers on the delicate balance required in apiculture.

How is A & T Hives Raising Awareness About Bee Threats?

Education ranks as a key mission for A & T Hives, particularly regarding the invasive Asian hornet, a significant threat to native honeybee populations in the UK. The business actively engages communities by attending local markets and displaying educational exhibits.

At the Carterton Community Market in Marigold Square on Saturday, January 31, they presented a real Asian hornet preserved in resin. This hands-on demonstration allows visitors to identify the pest accurately, fostering vigilance against its spread. The Witney Gazette noted: “They like to help educate people about the threat posed by the invasive Asian hornet,” with images supplied illustrating their market presence.

Such initiatives address broader ecological concerns. Asian hornets, known scientifically as Vespa velutina, prey on honeybees, disrupting hives and reducing pollination services vital for agriculture and biodiversity. By bringing preserved specimens to public forums, A & T Hives empowers citizens to report sightings to authorities like the National Bee Unit, aiding containment efforts.

Which Markets and Events Does A & T Hives Attend?

Community engagement drives A & T Hives’ visibility. They regularly participate in local markets, with the Carterton Community Market serving as a recent highlight. An image from the event, supplied to the Witney Gazette, captures their stall amid the bustling Marigold Square gathering.

Scheduling constraints prevent attendance at Bicester Market, which occurs on Fridays. However, the business remains eager: “They are currently unable to attend Bicester Market as it takes place on Fridays, but they are keen to join in the future,” per the Witney Gazette coverage.

In the interim, products like honey-based goods and wax items are stocked at Crafters Emporium in Bicester, ensuring accessibility. Looking ahead, A & T Hives will appear at the Community Market at the John Paul Centre on March 14. They also maintain a steady presence at the RAF Heyford Heritage Centre Craft Fair, blending beekeeping advocacy with local heritage events.

These venues provide platforms not just for sales but for dialogue on bee conservation, amplifying the business’s educational impact.

What Challenges Do Honeybees Face, and How is A & T Hives Responding?

Honeybees confront multiple threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases like Varroa mites, and invasive species such as the Asian hornet. A & T Hives responds proactively, using its market stalls to disseminate knowledge.

Sue Wilkinson’s comments in the Witney Gazette reinforce this: the business’s viability hinges on “the health and wellbeing of our bees,” prompting year-round hive care. Their sustainable product line—crafted from excess resources—avoids overharvesting, preserving colony strength.

This model aligns with UK-wide efforts, such as those by the British Beekeepers Association, which report ongoing Asian hornet incursions from Europe. By showcasing resin-preserved specimens, A & T Hives contributes to citizen science, encouraging reports via the Asian Hornet Watch app.

How Can the Public Support A & T Hives and Bee Conservation?

Consumers play a pivotal role. Purchasing from A & T Hives at Crafters Emporium or upcoming markets directly bolsters sustainable beekeeping. Attending their stalls offers learning opportunities, from identifying hornets to understanding hive dynamics.

Wilkinson’s vision, as shared with the Witney Gazette, invites broader participation: prioritising practices that respect bees ensures long-term viability. Public actions like planting bee-friendly gardens, avoiding pesticides, and reporting hornets further amplify impact.

The business’s growth since 2021 demonstrates community resonance. As Bicester and surrounding areas like Carterton and RAF Heyford host these events, residents gain tools to protect pollinators essential for one-third of food production.

Broader Context: Bee Decline in the UK

While A & T Hives operates locally, its work mirrors national trends. The UK loses around 20% of honeybee colonies annually, per government data, exacerbated by invasives. Initiatives like this Bicester venture complement larger campaigns, fostering grassroots resilience.

The Witney Gazette’s coverage, including supplied images of the Carterton market and Bicester operations, paints a vivid picture of dedication. From 2021 inception to March 14 markets, A & T Hives exemplifies how small businesses drive environmental awareness.

Future Plans for A & T Hives

Expansion beckons. Keenness to join Bicester Market signals ambition, while staples like RAF Heyford fairs ensure continuity. Sue Wilkinson’s leadership, with its focus on bee health, positions the business for sustained success.

As reported comprehensively by the Witney Gazette, this enterprise not only sells products but safeguards a vital species. In Bicester, a hub of innovation, A & T Hives buzzes with purpose.