O U R S T O R Y
THE BEEKEEPING
SISTERS
The Sticky Sisters are a keen team of Bee loving individuals. Our team comprises of Ann and Jane who are actually sisters and also long time friends, husband and wife Garry and Teresa Elcock. The four of us formed a partnership back in 2019 and it would be true to say that our ‘hobby’ has very quickly turned into a passionate obsession with these tiny creatures.
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Our vision is to supply and share our honey with all those wishing to purchase it whilst nurturing a healthy and sustainable bee population for the future.
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We are proud to support the sustainability of Bees. We try to look after our Bees in a way that is harmonious with their natural behaviour. We only ever take honey that is excess to the Bees needs. The skill is to make sure they have enough honey stored in the hive to maintain them through the long dark winter.
OUR BEEHIVES
Our main apiary is based literally on the county boarder of Dorset with Hampshire, in the little hamlet of Neacroft which is situated within the New Forest National Park.
Initially we started with just a few hives but have very quickly expanded that number and now maintain colonies of Bees throughout Dorset and Hampshire with ‘out’ apiaries in Bisterne Poors Common near Holmsley & Ringwood.
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Originally we very carefully sourced our bees which were chosen for their genetic quality as well as their temperament & productivity.
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The new Bees adopted in 2021 were also carefully sourced, they are British, originating from Exmoor.
The Bee Farmer we selected was renowned for his ability to breed good natured, hard working Bees without the tendency to swarm.
OUR BEES
Honey is a natural product and its production relies on some unpredictable things such as the weather, seasons, and the right amount and type of foraging (food).
Bees cannot fly in the rain and chill very quickly so it is vital that we take all these factors into account when caring for them and this includes the hives that protect them throughout the cold winter months.
With this in mind and with a desire to refurbish as opposed to throwing away, Garry has set about creating a bespoke wooden cladding to slip over some elderly donated hives in order to protect them from the elements. He has used recycled wood and created practical and attractive new homes for the Sticky Sisters Bees.
We look after our Bees in a way that is harmonious with their natural behaviour.
OUR PRODUCTS
The benefits of honey are immense, it is not only a natural good source of antioxidants but it also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties too, which is great for news for our skin.
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With this in mind Sticky sister Ann has licensed and developed a range of Honey based Soap and Bath products that are natural and soothing for the skin, other than honey, quality ingredients such as coconut butter, Shea butter, and natural oils and fragrances have also been used.
Our pets are also enjoying a range of soap especially designed for them too. We use honey obviously, for all the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and humectant qualities and also oats for its exfoliating properties, removing dry and dead skin cells and also coconut oil for its enriching, soothing and moisturising properties.