Local Honey Ewelme

Starling Apiary is run by Judith Starling, based in the village of Ewelme in Oxfordshire, in the heart of the Chilterns. Judith began beekeeping in spring 2024, starting with a single nucleus colony (NUC) of six frames picked up in April of that year. The apiary grew quickly — to prevent swarming she split her original colony and also caught a wild swarm, entering winter 2024/2025 with three hives, all of which came through strongly. Judith describes beekeeping as a steep but deeply rewarding learning curve, drawing parallels with her long-standing passion for sourdough bread baking. The bees forage in and around Ewelme, a village with a notable historic connection to honey — Rowse Honey famously originated there. Judith notes the area benefits from plentiful forage and has not experienced the typical 'June gap' dearth. The honey is sold in 340g (12oz) glass jars at £6.50 each, available at the door (direct from the producer). Judith keeps bees primarily for the joy of it rather than as a commercial venture, with honey sales helping to offset the costs of running the apiary. The wider Wild Baker business also sells sourdough baking equipment and runs workshops.