South Staffordshire Beekeepers' Association

The South Staffordshire Beekeepers Association (SSBKA) is located on Shugborough Hall estate, which is set in the heart of rural Staffordshire. Ancestral home of the Earls of Lichfield it is now run by the National Trust. Its boundaries are met by Cannock Chase, a vast expanse of pine forest where heather grows freely. Farmland also surrounds the estate, amongst which are soft fruit farms but no Oil Seed Rape at present. Villages, including Brocton, Great Haywood and Little Haywood lie on its edges. The well kept gardens of the villages together with the plants and trees of Shugborough estate make it a site many beekeepers would envy, not only for the rich pickings but also its idyllic and peaceful setting. The 18th century Mansion House contains a fine collection of ceramics, silver, paintings and French furniture. Part of the house continues to be lived in by the Earl and his family. Visitors can enjoy the 18 acre Grade 1 listed Historic Garden and a unique collection of neo-classical monuments by James 'Athenian' Stuart. Other attractions include the original servants' quarters. The working laundry, kitchens, brewhouse and coach houses have all been lovingly restored. Costumed guides can show how the servants lived and worked over 100 years ago. Shugborough Park Farm is a Georgian farmstead that features an agricultural museum, working corn mill and rare breeds centre. The livestock are all historic breeds and in the farmhouse visitors can see brick bread ovens in operation and butter and cheese making in the dairy. The apiary is located behind the walled garden by the farm.