Why do we raise buckfast bees?

Why We Raise Buckfast Bees

At SIPA Honey Bees, we carefully choose the type of bees we work with. One of the key reasons our colonies thrive is because we raise Buckfast bee - a strain developed for temperament, productivity, and resilience.

Originally developed by Brother Adam at Buckfast Abbey in the early 20th century, Buckfast bees were bred with one clear goal: to create a honey bee that performs reliably in the British climate while remaining calm and manageable for beekeepers.

1. Calm Temperament

Temperament matters.

Buckfast bees are known for being gentle and steady on the comb. This makes hive inspections smoother, safer, and less stressful — both for the beekeeper and for the bees. Calm colonies are easier to manage and allow us to focus on colony health and queen quality.

2. Strong Honey Production

Buckfast bees are excellent foragers. They build up quickly in spring and make the most of nectar flows throughout the season. In areas like Berkshire, where forage changes across the year, this adaptability helps maximise honey yields while maintaining colony strength.

3. Good Disease Awareness & Hygiene

Selective breeding has emphasised hygienic behaviour — meaning colonies are more likely to detect and remove unhealthy brood. While no bee is completely disease-proof, strong hygiene traits are an important part of sustainable beekeeping.

4. Adaptability to the British Climate

The British weather is rarely predictable. Buckfast bees are known for steady brood patterns and resilience through variable seasons. They overwinter well and respond quickly when spring arrives.

A Buckfast Queen