Local Honey Ansty

Small-batch, unpasteurised honey from The Sussex Bee, run by Lia Markwick with hives in ancient woodland at Ansty, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex. Lia learned beekeeping from her father, who has kept bees for more than fifty years, started two colonies of her own in 2014 and now manages over 20 hives.

The Ansty hives overlook two naturally seeded wildflower fields, and Lia has since added several small out-apiaries around Sussex where the bees work orchard blossom and wild flora. Her Sussex Wildflower honey follows the seasons, from wild cherry and hawthorn blossom in spring to bramble and sweet chestnut in late summer, and comes runny, soft set and in the comb, each batch hand poured and a little different. Each year a few hives go to the New Forest heathland to make English ling heather honey, sold in jars and as comb. There is also a hot honey infused with habanero chilli and a honey and turmeric latte paste.

In the quieter winter months Lia hand dips beeswax candles from her own wax – dinner candles, half dinners and ribboned bundles – and there are tasting boxes and gift sets.

The honey and candles can be ordered online for delivery. The honey is also stocked by Bolney Wine Estate, Blossom & Roar in Cuckfield and Barcombe Nurseries near Lewes, which sells it alongside its local veg box deliveries.