Resources

List of Useful Resources for Beekeepers

  • Mantel Farm: provides beehives, beekeeping equipment, poultry supplies, animal feeds, garden farming tools, eco-friendly home products, wild bird seeds, and winter fuel. The shop operates on weekends, with local delivery and a locker collection service available most of the week.
    https://mantelfarm.co.uk

  • Beekeeping Supplies UK: Offers starter kits, equipment, foundation, and accessories – https://www.beekeepingsuppliesuk.com

  • E.H. Thorne (Beehives): One of UK’s longest-standing beekeeping suppliers – https://www.thorne.co.uk

  • National Bee Supplies: Crafted hives and equipment made in Devon – https://beekeeping.co.uk

  • Simon The Beekeeper: Affordable beekeeping equipment, bee suits, and more – https://simonthebeekeeper.co.uk

Here is a month-by-month guide to some of the most notable wild and garden flowers blooming in Sussex, UK. These examples cover native wildflowers, woodland blooms, and popular garden ornamentals found across the region. Blooming times may vary slightly depending on weather and location within Sussex.

January

  • Winter Heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus): Pinkish flowers, seen on Barrow Hill and roadsides.

February

  • Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis): Wooded areas and green spaces throughout Sussex.

  • Winter Jasmine, Mahonia, Heathers: Popular winter-blooming garden shrubs.

March

  • Wild Violets: Hedgerows and woodland banks.

  • Blackthorn/Sloe Blossom: Hedgerows; very early for pollinators.

April

  • Bluebells: Ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and commons; peak bloom late April to early May.

  • Wood Anemone: Hedgerows, woodland floors.

  • Primrose: Woodland banks, meadows.

  • Cowslip: Meadows and open swards, especially around gardens and commons.

May

  • Apple and Cherry Blossom: Gardens, orchards, and parks.

  • Rosy Garlic: Wildflower-rich banks (e.g., Borrer Bank).

  • Wild Tulips, Camassia, and Other Bulbs: Meadows (such as at Gravetye Manor).

  • Rhododendron and Azalea: Wooded gardens like Nymans, Sheffield Park.

June

  • Common Knapweed: Meadows and commons.

  • Orchids: Including the Common Spotted Orchid on the South Downs.

  • Roses: Gardens and hedgerows.

July

  • Rosebay Willowherb: Meadows, grasslands, and roadsides.

  • Scabious: Chalk grasslands and commons (“Devil’s-bit Scabious”).

  • Greater Knapweed: Chalk South Downs.

August

  • Devil’s-bit Scabious: Henfield Common and local meadows.

  • Wild Marjoram, Ragwort: Chalk grasslands and field margins; supports many pollinators.

September

  • Ivy Flowers: A vital late nectar source, in old trees and hedgerows.

October

  • Sloe Berries (Blackthorn): Not flowering but with visible fruits on hedgerows/footpaths.

November–December

  • Waxcap Fungi: Appear in grasslands, adding colour to churchyards and old meadows.

  • Holly: Evergreen with red berries; abundant everywhere in Sussex.

Other Notable Blooms by Season:

  • Spring Meadow Flowers: Bird’s foot trefoil, bugle, buttercups, red clover, cowslip, cuckooflower, salad burnet.

  • Summer: Borage (excellent for bees), wild mignonette, bristly ox-tongue.

  • Autumn: Late-flowering knapweeds, autumn crocus (in some gardens), ivy flowers.

This schedule gives a general idea of what’s in bloom each month, supported by observations from local councils, gardens, and nature reserves. Local variation, microclimates, and garden selections can add further diversity to each month’s display. For the most up-to-date or location-specific information, wildlife trusts and garden open days can be very informative.

There are a number of good beekeepers on youtube who are worth watching.

And as a member of the British Beekeepers Association we have access to their learning platform
BBKA Learning Online | British Beekeepers Association

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Beekeeper?

The best way to become a beekeeper is to attend an introductory course, join your local beekeeping association and attend meetings and events where you can handle bees.

Or

Get some bees and some equipment and learn from Youtube, courses and books. See our Beginners page for more information.

What equipment do I need to become a beekeeper.
A list of equipment can be found on the Beginners page.
I've got a swarm in my garden, what should I do?

Check out our Swarms page and if you are sure they are Honeybees, contact our swarm co-ordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk

I've already got bees. Can I still join EGBKA?
Yes you can. Having your own bees will help you learn and being in contact with other association members will provide you advice and support.
How do I become a member of EGBKA?

To become a member download the membership form and return it to secretary@egbka.org.uk.

I've got bees in my chimney or wall or loft what should I do?

We are not able to help remove bees from buildings etc. This is not covered by our British Beekeepers Association insurance.

There are number of good bee removal companies in Sussex, a quick internet search will find them.