BEES are buzzing at a school near Tenbury.

Despite global concerns about falling bee numbers, one small apiary tucked away in west Worcestershire is continuing to thrive.

The bee keeping club at Abberley Hall School is reporting that it has managed to keep most of its hives healthy and that a bumper crop of summer honey is hoped for this year.

“This is an important part of the year for us because a huge amount of nectar is being collected in these long summer days,” said Abberley Hall headmaster Will Lockett, who leads an enthusiastic group of pupils who tend the school’s beehives.

The apiary is located in the former Victorian walled garden on the school’s 100-acre site.

“The honey we make here is particularly delicious because we are surrounded by such an abundance of beautiful plants, trees and wildflowers we should be able to get a good crop this year,” he said.

Members of the beekeeping club each get some honey and if there is enough some jars are sold to parents and members of the public.

Mr Lockett said that trying to keep bee colonies healthy in the last few years had been very challenging because of a parasitic mite called Varroa and some virus diseases they carry.

“There is widespread concern about falling bee numbers but we are doing our best to keep our hives thriving,” he said.

“Bee keeping is fascinating and instructive; one can learn much from bees about working hard and working together - valuable lessons.”