Over 10,000 beekeepers updated their details on BeeBase during the 2025 hive count compared to over 9,500 in 2024.
The 2025 hive count produced a figure of 257,976 colonies in the UK. This is higher than the 2024 figure of 252,647. Responses indicated there was a decrease of 0.2 hive per beekeeper on average, but an increase in the total number of beekeepers.
The Hive Count provides a useful indication of the number of managed colonies in the UK and helps ensure that BeeBase records are kept up to date. Information about numbers and location of hives is important for the National Bee Unit and Scottish Government inspectors in terms of preparing and planning for outbreaks of disease and exotic pests.
Thank you very much to everyone who has taken the time to ensure that their BeeBase records are up to date.