JAYWICK is set to start producing its own honey – and organisers say it will be the bee’s knees.

Beehives have been set up in a field off Triumph Avenue as part of the Dig 4 Jaywick community garden project.

The newly-formed Jaywick Beekeeping Society hopes to teach people about beekeeping as well as selling its produce.

Dig 4 Jaywick was set up in 2011 on land at the back of Jaywick Enterprise Centre, in Lotus Way, to show peoplethe benefits of fresh produce.

Chairman Barry Shimell said it has now teamed up with beekeeper Brian Cooper to set up four hives – with an astonishing 120,000 honey bees.

“Brian is moving down to Jaywick from Bishop’s Stortford and asked us how we would feel about him bringing his bees into the garden,” said Mr Shimell.

“We said we couldn’t actually have them in the garden, but said we wanted to incorporate them into the project.

“We have been talking about producing Jaywick Honey.

“This will tie in nicely with what the garden is about.

“It’s all about showing people that they don’t have to go to superstores to buy their produce.

“We donate a lot of produce to the community lunch club and show mums that they can get fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden.

“We would like to raise some money to keep things going. We won’t just sell the honey, but we will also separate the comb, which people also like.”

Mr Shimell said that as well as introducing much-needed bees to the area, locally-produced honey will also help to alleviate allergies such as hay fever.

Mr Cooper added: “What we are trying to do here is unique.

“Most bee-keeping societies are formed with bee-keepers, who have their own equipment, but I’m donating all my equipment to it.

“I was a beekeeper in Hertfordshire and was going to sell my stuff when I move here, but I thought I might as well put it in a big pool and everybody can have the profitability of the honey.

“It’s not going to cost anybody anything, and that’s the main thing, because beekeeping can be rather expensive.”

It is estimated that each of the hives will produce as much as 70 one-pound jars of honey every year.

Mr Cooper will be on hand to teach those interested in learning about beekeeping and hopes local people will become self-sufficient at beekeeping.

The group will hold open days at Golf Green Hall on Saturday at 11am, and at the community garden in Lotus Way on Wednesday, July 26, from 1pm to 4pm.

Anyone who is interested in beekeeping should call Mr Cooper on 07990 773108.