Meet Our Suppliers - Arden Forest Honey

WHO ARE YOU? WHAT’S YOUR STORY, HOW & WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS?

Steve Browning from Arden Forest Honey.

Back in 2008 I was a motorcycle restorer. I was approached by an elderly gentleman wanting me to restore some old beekeeping equipment. I was intrigued by what he did and after repairing a few items of his I asked if he would be happy to show me how it all worked. Gradually I started helping more and more, and he began to hand the ropes over to me. This eventually lead to him gifting me all of his equipment so he could retire properly.

Fast forward 10 years and I have grown his stock from 20 hives to nearly 400 and Arden Forest Honey was created.

WHAT MAKES THE BUSINESS A COOL PLACE TO BE

I feel very lucky to have such a varied job. I work outside all day and get to see some really beautiful locations.

IF YOU WEREN’T RUNNING THE BUSINESS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING 

Ideally I’d be on a beach in Mexico, however if I needed to work it would probably still be in the vehicle restoration industry.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON

Hopefully more varieties of honey, with specialised crop pollination later this year.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT

At the age of 42, in my field of work, I am classed as young!

BEST MOMENT 

Above all work related things, the best moment has been the birth of my son.

A VALUABLE LESSON 

The Spring and Summer are very busy times for Bee Farmers, so I learnt very quickly not to waste the Winter.

RECOMMEND SOMETHING

If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing day to day, don’t do it. Find something else.

WHAT OR WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION AND WHY?

The old beekeeper, Maurice Jephcott, who taught me everything he knew. He trusted me to carry on what he had started and I hope I have made him proud.

THINGS YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT 

A cup of tea with some Heather honey in it first thing in the morning

FAVOURITE MEAL OR GO TO SNACK

Beef roast dinner.

WHAT SONG WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD TO THE FARM PLAYLIST

Fleetwood Mac – Gypsy 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE FARM STRATFORD?

Their support of small local businesses