About Us
We’re a family-run bee farm in the Peak District, Derbyshire, based at Whiteholmes Farm, Winster ( between Matlock and Bakewell). Whiteholmes farm is a multi-generational farm, but only a first-generation bee farm.
Bee farming started at Whiteholmes farm in 2017 when Robert Slater and Peter Slater went out and bought 2 honey production colonies, from that moment the domino fell and the knock on effect took place. In 2020 Whiteholmes Apiaries LTD was established by Robert Slater and Stephen Webster and the plan was to increase colonies as fast as possible while also being sustainable.
As of 2026 we manage approximately 250 honey-production colonies and 200 nucleus colonies across our Derbyshire apiaries. Our honey is raw, cold-extracted and unpasteurised with each jar single-origin and traceable to the apiary it came from.
We raise and supply national and Langstroth nucleus colonies to fellow beekeepers.
We sell honey direct and also offer wholesale for stockists.
Meet Rob
Born and raised on a dairy farm in the Peak District, I'm the fourth generation of my family to farm. My interest in beekeeping began after visiting a beekeeping stand at a local agricultural show. From that moment, I immersed myself in learning everything I could - reading books, watching countless hours of videos, and even trying (unsuccessfully!) to catch swarms.
In 2017, my older brother and I took the plunge and bought our first two honey bee colonies. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion and, eventually, a business. In 2020, I founded Whiteholmes Apiaries Ltd, and today, in 2026, we manage around 250 honey production colonies alongside 200 nucleus colonies.
When I'm not working with the bees, I enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. That said, free time is in short supply! Alongside running the apiary, I work another job and am a proud father to four children under the age of five. Whenever I'm not working, I make the most of every opportunity to spend quality time with my family.
