A farm near Wickham is causing a buzz in the countryside after introducing 25 new hives of bees to boost their soft fruit harvest.

Westlands Farm, in Shedfield, has brought in the 25 hives of Honey and Bumble Bees to support pollination and maintain the health of its raspberry and strawberry crop during the current growing season.

The bees and their hives have been supplied to Westlands by Strides New Forest Honey. As part of the relationship Strides collect all the honey produced by the bees and some of that is then sold in Westlands Farm Shop.

Farmer Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm, said: "Using both Bumble Bees and Honey Bees enables us to maintain a really healthy strawberry and raspberry crop.

"They manage the nectar levels in the flowers, which supports stronger fruit development and helps reduce the risk of disease and mould. The honey they produce from our raspberry nectar is processed off-site and sold in our farm shop, completing a full farm-to-jar process.

"The Bumble Bees play a vital role in pollinating the raspberry flowers, the Honey Bees help manage excess nectar, which can build up as the fruit develops and increase the risk of mould."

Westlands produces raspberries and strawberries in glasshouses and polytunnels, enabling an extended harvesting period and helping to meet the local and national demand for fresh, seasonal produce.