We are a social enterprise passionate about local food systems and connecting communities to the earth.

Our work is currently focused on developing school, community and market gardens. We build and maintain sites, and teach over 50 primary school children every week how to grow their own food with an agroecological approach. Much of our former work has been around seed, including seed saving workshops, establishing seed libraries, and distribution of open pollinated vegetable seed and native wildflower seed. Our organisation is built on the ethics and principles of permaculture and biodynamic farming. As beekeepers, we care for honeybees gently using natural and biodynamic beekeeping practices. To fund our earth and people care activities, we are in the process of developing a product range based on transparent short supply chains that treat both farmers and the land fairly.

Xanthea

Founder / Director

Xanthea founded Honeybee Farmacy CIC in 2018. She is currently studying for a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, focused on developing better food supply chains. Xanthea has an MSc in Global Food Security and Development, specialising in seed sovereignty and neoliberal food regimes. She is a beekeeper, research assistant in agri-food supply chains, and Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs. She has also been a Director and steering group member for other environmental community interest companies and local food organisations.

George

director / head Gardener

George is the founder of Back to the Roots Gardening, an ecological and wildlife friendly garden maintenance service. Prior to starting his own business, he worked at Edwalton Primary School as their school farm grounds worker. George helps to build and maintain our growing spaces including allotment, school garden, and community garden. He has a Diploma in British Conservation and a wealth of experience in horticulture, arboriculture, animal management, landscaping, building, and teaching. He is super passionate about growing high quality produce.

Bethan

Director

Bethan is the founder of Sow It and a consultant for the Urban Agricultural Consortium. Former head gardener at a 2* Michelin restaurant, she is currently leading research into developing a Nottinghamshire FarmStart programme. Bethan is a florist, garden artist and writer, and has been a committee member of Nottingham Organic Gardeners for over 13 years where she has organised community garden workshops and events. She also makes preserves, wreaths and wildlife hotels which are available to buy online via her website.