THERE are two new beekeepers thanks to a grant for £300 each from a Forest gardening society.

Brockweir, Hewelsfield and St Briavels Garden Society originally planned to award one grant but were able to increase this due to continued generosity and enthusiasm of its members.

Spokesman David Broad­bent said: “Bees are vital, not just to gardeners, but to farmers and food producers of all types.

“The number of beekeepers in the UK has fallen and bees have been under threat from disease. In 2009 we created a unique and innovative scheme to provide an annual grant from club funds to improve the bee populations within its area and to promote beekeeping by supporting a new beekeeper.

“Together with help from our friends over at Dean Forest Beekeepers Association, who provide our mentoring programme and expert training and support, we want to make our gardens and farms alive with honey bees.

“We had some excellent candidates this year and Ian Martens and Julian Holroyd were both selected as grant recipients. We hope that their first year is a successful one and look forward to updates on their progress.”

The society is looking for business sponsors for 2017, to help call David on 07771664973.