Local Honey Arthog

Honey and beeswax products from Trees and Bees, Paul and Pauline Aslin's smallholding at Erw Goed near Arthog, in Snowdonia between Cadair Idris and the Mawddach Estuary.

They have kept bees since 2001 and now look after more than 30 colonies at home and at several sites along the Mawddach. The honey range includes a clear honey and a heather honey. The smallholding itself takes in native Meirionnydd oak woodland, a young orchard, and fruit and vegetable gardens.

They use their own beeswax for hand-dipped and moulded candles (skeps, sheep and Welsh dragons among them), skin creams, lip balms, soaps and furniture polish.

Honey and beeswax products are sold at farmers' markets, shows and events, and at Celf Aran Arts, the craft co-operative under the arches in Eldon Square, Dolgellau. Some are also sold online. Erw Goed is a workshop rather than a shop, but you're welcome to visit by appointment. Summer is their busiest time. Paul and Pauline also help teach and mentor new beekeepers with the Meirionnydd Beekeepers Association, often take a glass-sided observation hive to shows and talks, and let self-catering holiday cottages at Erw Goed.