A COLONY of honeybees at Chester Cathedral have produced an enormous amount of honey, weighing over 45 kilos.

The beehives were adopted within the Chester Cathedral estate in the early spring of 2015 and became a part of the Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens’ educational outreach.

Head Falconer Tommy McNally said: “One objective of Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens is to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between people and nature.

“We want to show how Chester Cathedral’s historic links to falconry, beekeeping and gardening are still relevant today.”

The beehives help to educate visitors not only of the inner workings of a bee colony but also the importance of conservation and locally sourced goods.

Tommy McNally added: “The beehives and honey are one indication that bees and people can work together with both parties benefiting; the bees survive, our plants are pollenated, and we all end up with honey.”

The honey is harvested sympathetically to the bees.

When weather is poor and pollen cannot be collected, honey acts as a back-up food source for the bees.

Only the excess of Chester Cathedral honey is gathered, leaving more than enough for the bees’ survival.

The bees are the only local colony as well as the only bees located within the city walls, which may explain the massive production of honey.

This honey is sold in the Chester Cathedral gift shop however stock is limited.