'I can't begin to thank everybody': Beekeeper overwhelmed by support after arson attack targets business

A Birstall business has been inundated with donations after being left devastated by an arson attack.

Howden Clough resident Andrew Dart’s business, The Birstall Bee Man, was left “absolutely heartbroken and incredibly angry” when land where some of his bees are kept was set fire to on Wednesday, July 29.

But after a Go Fund Me page was set-up, more than £14,000 has been donated, which Andrew says has left him “blown away” and extremely grateful.

“While the financial impact is devastating, the thing that has upset us the most is the welfare of our bees,” he said.

"These aren’t just hives to us, they are living colonies that we’ve spent years caring for. The thought of what they’ve been through is something is devastating.

"Thousands of pounds worth of beekeeping equipment has been destroyed, and the damage doesn’t stop there. This will have a significant impact on next year’s honey production, meaning we’ll have far less stock available than we’d planned.

"As a local beekeeper, setbacks like this are incredibly difficult. We work hard to produce local Yorkshire honey, support other independent businesses that stock our products, and invest everything back into growing what we do. Incidents like this don’t just affect us, they have a ripple effect on the local businesses and customers who support us year after year.

“It’s hard to understand why anyone would do something that causes so much destruction, not only to property but to wildlife and to people’s livelihoods.

“To everyone who supports Birstall Bee Man, thank you. We will do everything we can to recover, look after our surviving colonies, and keep doing what we love.

"I can't begin to thank everybody who has commented, offered to support or suggested the idea of a Go Fund Me.”