BEEKEEPERS are buzzing after being given a new base free of charge.

Furness Beekeepers (FBKA), a charitable association which promotes the ‘critical awareness’ of bees, are hoping to move to a new home.

The apiary club was told to leave their home at Gleaston Water Mill after ten years of teaching the hobby to hundreds of bee enthusiasts.

However, just weeks later the club was offered a new site for their hives at a farm in Outcast, near Ulverston.

David Walmsley, secretary of Furness Beekeepers, said the move was ‘brilliant news’.

He said: “After we put a plea online looking for a new site, we received a great response from the local community.

“We were approached by a family who own a farm in Outcast and said we could put our apiary there.

“We were absolutely delighted with the news, especially with how quick we were able to find a new home.”

The club have put forward plans to South Lakeland District Council to install a hive shelter and shed on the field.

Mr Walmsley said: “If plans are approved we’re hoping to build one large shed to store empty hives and equipment as well as a new hive shelter which will hold six hives.

“We’re hoping to resume free lessons every Saturday morning for those interested in beekeeping.”

Mr Walmsley said the team was ‘hugely grateful’ to the field owners for allowing them to continue their beloved hobby.

He said: “It’s very important to continue this hobby in the Ulverston area. We want to teach people the value of beekeeping,”

Plans are expected to be approved by January.