Producing honey is an ancient tradition thousands of years old that is probably more popular now than ever with consumers eager to support local provenance and enjoy the magical alchemy which sees bees transform pollen into a delicious topping for toast, or on cereals or to make cakes – to name just a few of its uses.
Rowland is a small, artisan producer but arguably boasts the most beautiful home for his four beehives in the country perched on the cliffs overlooking Beer beach and offering dramatic views of Lyme Bay down to Portland. It is little wonder that Rowland felt inspired to offer an insight into his hobby and his book, Notes From A Clifftop Apiary, is a compilation of articles first published in the British Beekeepers Association Newsletter. That is a serious publication so Rowland's offerings of home-spun wisdom, humorous anecdotes and the travails of being an amateur beekeeper provides a sparkling contrast that has proved popular with the readers.