Matthew Williams and Mike Brealey, members of Puzzletree Centre, have visited the apiary at Bishop's Tawton to inspect a bee hive, check for new brood and treat with icing sugar against Varroa.

Devon County Council's Puzzletree Centre wants to set up bee hives at the Fatherford Road allotments in Okehampton, as a new and exciting opportunity for adults who have a learning difficulty. 

The site was chosen by Bill Stevens, of National Bee Supplies, and funding for the project has been given by Okehampton United Charities.

Two members of the Puzzletree staff received bee keeping training at Bishops Tawton, provided by North Devon Beekeepers and in Launceston, provided by the Holsworthy Beekeepers.

The training was funded by Stuart Lord of 5 x 30, which is an organisation in Okehampton to encourage people to be more active, more often, outdoors. 

Local builder Shim Martin has already built a base, path and a fence that will soon support the new hives at the allotments.

Tracey Seymour, Devon County Council's team leader for fulfilling lives, said: 'We are extremely excited about this new project and appeal to anyone who has any bee keeping equipment that they no longer need, to ask whether they would like to donate it to us.  Equally, we would love to hear from local bee keepers to share their experiences and advice.

'I would especially like to thank Tony Dion and the allotment holders for their support in this new challenge.'

If you have any bee keeping equipment that you would like to donate to the Puzzletree Centre, please contact 01837 659796.