Four Beehives Move to Victory Hall Meadow as Chigwell Supports Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration

Published: 30 January 2026

Chigwell Parish Council is pleased to announce that four beehives, managed by a local beekeeper, have been relocated to the meadow behind Victory Hall.

The hives were moved during the winter period, when bee colonies are naturally dormant. This timing helps minimise disturbance and supports a smooth transition to their new site. The hives will continue to be cared for and monitored by an experienced local beekeeper in line with best practice.

Supporting biodiversity and pollinators
Pollinators such as honeybees and wild bees play a vital role in healthy ecosystems and in supporting food production. By introducing managed beehives to the meadow, the Council is taking a practical step to strengthen local pollinator populations and raise awareness of the essential contribution insects make to sustaining biodiversity.

This initiative complements the Council’s wider commitment to improving habitats and increasing biodiversity across parish green spaces, in line with its environmental aims and policies.

Meadow restoration: returning former farmland to natural habitat
The meadow behind Victory Hall was historically used as farmland and is now being restored to a more natural landscape. The Council is putting in place a detailed management plan for the site, aimed at enhancing biodiversity through habitat creation and thoughtful land stewardship.

Key measures include the introduction of wildlife‑friendly features and the gradual replacement of non‑native planting with native species that better support local ecosystems. One planned improvement is the replacement of the existing non‑native laurel hedge with a native species hedge, which will offer improved shelter, food sources and habitat connectivity for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

The relocation of the beehives forms part of this broader, long‑term approach to restoring and enhancing the meadow for nature and for the community.

Looking ahead
The Council will continue working with partners, specialists and local experts to deliver the meadow management plan in a way that benefits both wildlife and residents. Updates on future habitat improvements will be shared in due course.