We’ve had quite the buzz lately at Horwood House and for good reason! We’re absolutely thrilled to share that we’ve officially welcomed 20,000 new guests to our beautiful grounds.
As part of a heartwarming new partnership with local social enterprise Urban Bee-lievers, we’ve become home to a thriving new beehive colony.
This initiative is more than just about honey, it’s about giving back to our environment and our local community.
Creating a Buzz for a Better Future
Our new hive is part of a £7,500, three-year commitment to support bee populations and promote biodiversity across our gardens and grounds. These incredible pollinators are essential for local ecosystems and we’re proud to give them a safe space to thrive.
But what makes this initiative even sweeter is its impact on the community. Urban Bee-lievers is part of the Milton Keynes Christian Foundation, a local charity that supports young people who are not currently in education, training or employment. Through hands-on experiences and engaging community projects like ours, they gain real-world skills and confidence.
Honey, Cookies & Career Skills
Just last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming young adults from the Foundation into our kitchen for a honey-inspired baking session with our culinary team. The group whipped up fresh-baked honey cookies while learning from our chefs in a professional kitchen environment.
It wasn’t just about cookies (though they were a hit!). It was about exploring careers in hospitality and giving young people a genuine, encouraging experience they won’t forget.
Sarah Mist, Social Enterprise Manager at Urban Bee-lievers, shared:
“I want to give a massive thank you for the amazing welcome the team at Horwood House gave our staff and young people this week. They were all so excited about the experience and were inspired and amazed by the hotel and the staff’s generosity with time, resources and lunch. We are so grateful for the partnership.”
A Shared Mission
For us, this initiative reflects something we deeply believe in: that hospitality isn’t just about welcoming guests, it’s about making a meaningful difference. Whether it’s helping nature thrive, providing platforms for local talent or simply sharing a jar of honey over tea, we’re committed to doing good while doing what we love.
As our General Manager, Caroline Morrone, puts it:
“This partnership is a prime example of how hospitality can play a positive role in nurturing both nature and our local community. Supporting young people through meaningful work experience while enhancing our environment aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to growing this relationship – and our honey reserves – in the years to come!”
Read more here: MKFM Local News - Horwood House is now bee friendly!
