Local Honey Ingoldsby

Raw Lincolnshire honey from Heathcote Honey at Ingoldsby, whose head beekeeper has kept bees for about 15 years. The bees forage local wild flowers and trees, and the honey is harvested in summer, filtered and poured into glass jars without heat treatment, so it can contain pollen, propolis and tiny particles of wax.

The colonies overwinter on their own honey rather than sugar syrup, and the hives are left in place rather than moved around. Bee health is managed without harsh chemicals.

Heathcote also makes natural skincare and leather products, including a saddle balsam, from recipes handed down through the generations, with no added colours or preservatives. Honey and saddle balsam can be ordered online for courier delivery.

Beyond the jars, Heathcote mentors new beekeepers and takes a bee presentation, with tastings and hands-on activities, to schools, garden clubs and other groups. Between May and September it also collects swarms within ten miles of the farm.