Nestled amongst the subtropical gardens near to the greenhouse, is home to our Cornish Black Bee Colony.  Over 15,000 bees are currently busy producing a sweet golden nectar to accompany some of Chefs favourite dishes at Rastella.

The Native Cornish bee is seen as one of the bees that could help save the bee population globally.  They have a unique ability to thrive on limited resources. Their resistance to attack has the world looking at them with wonder.

With the help of our friends at The Cornish Black Bee Company we are learning how to take care of this marvellous species. Keeping healthy, happy bees that produce a delicious honey.

 

Facts about the Cornish Black Bee

• The Cornish Black Bee can fly in poor conditions, their dark colour and increased body hair enable them to fly in cold temperatures. Even in the famous Cornish “Mizzle”.
• Black bees are experts at resource management. If a colony determines that it has less than 20 pounds of honey, it will reduce the laying rate of the queen.
• The black bee colonies maintain a smaller population than their European relations, enabling them to survive long periods of inclement weather.
• According to the BBC, research from Paignton Zoo has shown the black bee is better at fighting off varroa mites,  which have been implicated in the deaths of bees around the world.