4 June 2021

Welsh beehives ‘buzzing’ at Principality donation

Wales’ largest building society has donated over £1,100 to support a sponsorship initiative for beehives across the country.

A total of four beehives have been adopted in locations across Wales, including Gwenyn Gruffydd in Carmarthen, Black Mountain Honey in Mold, Old Castle Farm Hives in Neath and The Welsh Honey Company in Bridgend. For its donation, Principality's local branches will also enjoy supplies of the beehives products.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Society has committed to reducing its environmental impacts as a business and to support key partners and programmes to help ensure Wales’ improved sustainability. On St David's Day, colleagues across the organisation voted for which cause in Wales they wanted to pledge their support too, with the Adopt a Beehive scheme being chosen.

Carmarthen based business, Gwenyn Gruffydd is one of the four beehives to have received the donation from Principality Building Society to adopt one of its 100 beehives.

Angharad Rees, Co-Founder of Gwenyn Gruffydd, said: “We are truly thrilled to have the support of Principality on our Adopt a Beehive Scheme. As local beekeepers and enthusiasts we have always appreciated the work of bees in maintaining a blooming, bright environment and hope that even more people will actively learn more about the wonderful impact bees have on our planet. The fact that the staff at Principality have chosen this cause is a testament to the conscious Wales we live in today.”

Helen Rainford, Branch Manager – Carmarthen, Principality Building Society said: said: ‘’We’re proud to be supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly initiative here in west Wales. It’s our responsibility as a member-owned organisation to look at how we can support and protect our environment and the communities we operate in. It was clear this was an initiative colleagues across the organisation, felt passionately about supporting and we’re looking forward to getting to know Gwenyn Gruffydd beehives throughout the year.’’

Black Mountain Honey, based in Mold, also received the donation to adopt one of its 150 beehives. Laurence Edwards, bee farmer at Black Mountain Honey, said: “Our Adopt a Beehive Scheme provides an instant, positive environmental impact. We’re grateful that Principality has pledged to support our hives, recognising the important role beekeeping and pollinators play in a thriving environment. It’s so encouraging to know staff at Principality chose this cause, as we collectively work towards a more sustainable Wales.”

Published: 04/06/2021