Local Bees
Locally adapted bees are at the heart of sustainable beekeeping. Our Welsh Black Bees, shaped by the unique climate and landscape of the Llŷn Peninsula, are naturally resilient and better suited to thrive without chemical treatments. By supporting and breeding local bees, we strengthen biodiversity, protect genetic heritage, and ensure a healthier future for both bees and beekeepers.
Where can I buy local bees?
At LLEBKA we are committed to ensuring a healthy supply of locally adapted Welsh Black Bees. Bees bred at our association apiary in Chwilog, along with nucs and queens raised by experienced members, are made available to support both new and established beekeepers. By choosing local bees, you not only gain colonies suited to the Llŷn Peninsula’s climate and landscape, but also help protect our community from the risks of imported bees. Together, we are working to safeguard the future of our native strain.
Verses for the Llŷn Bee
Upon this wind-kissed western shore,
Where heather blooms and breakers roar,
The native bee keeps steadfast flight,
In rain and wind and sunshine bright.
Adapted here by time and land,
She works with nature, hand in hand;
What other strains might fail to see,
Endures within our local bee
By A LLEBKA Member
Local bees, adapted over generations to the Llŷn Peninsula’s unique climate and wild flora, often outperform imported stock. Research by BIBBA and others shows that locally adapted honey bee strains are more resilient to cold winters, more efficient foragers in local conditions, and better able to resist pests such as Varroa without heavy chemical treatments.
At LLEBKA, we believe in strengthening these advantages. That’s why we focus on breeding and raising native, Varroa-resistant Welsh Black Bees — supporting beekeepers through our association apiary with demonstrations, hands-on training, and information here on the website. By choosing local bees, we protect genetic diversity, reduce disease risk, and help ensure the well-being of our bees and landscapes for future generations.
Welsh Black Bee
Apis mellifera mellifera
The Welsh Black Bee – A Native Treasure
The Welsh Black Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is the only Britain’s native honey bee subspecies, with a long history of adaptation to the rugged climates of North Wales. Through projects like the West Wales Bee Breeding Programme (a collaboration between Bangor University and Tropical Forest Products), research has shown how locally bred colonies display traits well suited to our conditions: strong winter hardiness, good performance in cooler and wetter weather, and natural resilience against parasites.
Unlike many imported strains, Welsh Black Bees thrive with no chemical intervention, and are Varroa resistant. Their ability to forage efficiently in light rain or lower temperatures, and to maintain healthy colonies across variable seasons, makes them especially valuable for sustainable, treatment-free beekeeping. Support for locally adapted bees helps protect our genetic stock, reduce risks from imported bees, and ensures that future generations inherit bees truly fit for the Llŷn Peninsula and North Wales.
Treatment Free Beekeeping
& Varroa Resistant Bees
At LLEBKA we believe the future of sustainable beekeeping lies in working with our bees, not against them. By encouraging natural resistance to Varroa, we reduce dependence on chemical treatments and allow hardy, locally adapted colonies — like our Welsh Black Bees — to thrive.
Varroa mites remain the most serious threat to honey bees worldwide, causing significant colony losses every year. According to research, untreated colonies in some regions can collapse within just 2–3 years under heavy infestation. Yet evidence also shows that bees can develop resistance traits — such as grooming behaviour and hygienic brood removal — when given the chance. By promoting treatment-free methods here on the Llŷn Peninsula, we’re helping to build a future where our native bees are resilient, self-sustaining, and free from chemical reliance.
Explore more about this approach through our resources:
-
What is Varroa-Resistant Beekeeping?
-
Key Resistance Behaviours
-
Strategies for Treatment-Free Management
-
Select for Resistance
We’ve gathered a selection of useful resources to support beekeepers interested in treatment-free, Varroa-resistant management. These guides and signposts will help you understand the science, explore practical strategies, and make informed choices for healthier, more resilient bees.
About Treatment Free Beekeeping...
Treatment-free beekeeping works with the natural strengths of honey bees, allowing them to build their own resilience to pests and disease. It reduces reliance on chemicals, supports healthier colonies, and helps conserve our locally adapted Welsh Black Bees. Follow the link to learn more about this sustainable approach.
Strategies for Treatment Free Beekeeping
Successful treatment-free beekeeping relies on practical methods that work with bees’ natural behaviours — from selective breeding and colony management to promoting strong forage and habitat. These strategies help create healthier, more resilient colonies. Follow the link to explore proven approaches and guidance.
Data, Research and Advancements
Ongoing studies into treatment-free and Varroa-resistant beekeeping provide valuable insights into bee health, genetics, and sustainable management. From academic research to field trials, new knowledge continues to shape best practice. Follow the link to discover the latest findings and resources.