Office gardens are hive of activity as bees move in

But yesterday the Yorkshire Building Society took delivery of its new arrivals.

Its charitable foundation is supporting Bradford Beekeepers’ Association in its efforts to protect and increase the local bee population. A donation from the foundation has paid for four hives, which will be located in the gardens of the society’s head office in Bradford.

Thousands of honey bees are taking up residence in the new hives as part of a move to support the local honey bee population by offering them a home.

Honey bees play a vital part in a healthy ecosystem and perform a significant role in agriculture and food production.

However, the population in the UK has been decimated in recent years by parasites, disease and changes to habitat, a trend beekeepers are working hard to reverse.

Chris Parrish, a trustee of the charitable foundation, said: “We’re hoping staff will become involved in caring for the bees alongside the experts from Bradford Beekeepers’ Association and we are really looking forward to harvesting the honey and beeswax from the hives.”

Four hives are located in a quiet location in the gardens and the bees are a mild-tempered strain and easy to look after.