Landowner–Beekeeper Agreement (UK) – Simple Apiary Permission Template
Keeping bees on someone else’s land can work brilliantly — but it’s much easier when there’s a short, written agreement. This page explains what a sensible UK landowner–beekeeper agreement typically covers and provides a downloadable template you can fill in.
What the Agreement Should Cover
A simple agreement doesn’t need pages of legal language. In most cases, it should clearly state:
- Who the parties are (landowner and beekeeper).
- Where the apiary is located (describe the site clearly).
- What’s permitted (number of hives, equipment storage, vehicle access, times).
- Responsibilities (what the beekeeper will do, what the landowner will do).
- Safety expectations (public access, livestock, gates, basic site rules).
- Notice period (how either party can end it, and what happens to hives).
This page is part of the Beekeeping Responsibilities (UK) cluster.
Access, Keys, and Site Rules
Most problems are practical rather than “legal”. Be explicit about the basics:
| Topic | What to define | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Access times | Typical visit times, any restrictions (e.g., events, shooting, farm operations). | Prevents clashes and reduces surprise visits. |
| Gates / locks | Whether a key is provided, who can enter, and gate-closed expectations. | Protects livestock, security, and site relationships. |
| Vehicle access | Where to park, when vehicles are allowed, and ground conditions. | Avoids damage to tracks/fields and reduces conflict. |
| Site boundaries | Where hives will sit and any buffer zones from paths, animals, or neighbours. | Helps manage flight paths and public-facing risk. |
| Livestock / dogs | Any known issues, whether animals share the field, and how to avoid incidents. | Protects bees, animals, and handlers. |
Safety and Risk Awareness
If the apiary is near public access (footpaths, parks, open land) or you expect visitors, a basic risk assessment is a strong trust signal for landowners.
If you’re applying treatments, include safe-handling expectations and link to your own notes: PPE for Varroa Treatments.
Insurance and Liability (Plain-English)
This is a common concern for landowners. A calm, simple explanation helps:
- The beekeeper should confirm whether they have public liability cover (often via an association).
- Insurance policies vary — the agreement should state what the beekeeper holds, not promise specific cover.
- Don’t overcomplicate it: the goal is to show sensible, responsible practice.
Notice Periods and Ending the Agreement
The “what if it doesn’t work out?” section is where agreements earn their keep. Consider including:
- Notice period: e.g. [X] days/weeks written notice by either party.
- Emergency access: what happens if hives must be moved quickly (livestock, works, complaints).
- Removal: who removes hives/equipment and by when.
- Site condition: leaving the site tidy, removing debris, and reinstating ground if needed.
Template Placeholders You Can Copy
Below is a clean “fill-in” structure you can copy into Word and adapt. Keep it short unless a landowner specifically asks for more detail.
- Landowner name: [LANDOWNER NAME]
- Landowner address: [LANDOWNER ADDRESS]
- Beekeeper name: [BEEKEEPER NAME]
- Beekeeper address: [BEEKEEPER ADDRESS]
- Apiary location (site description): [APIARY LOCATION / WHAT3WORDS / GRID REF]
- Start date: [START DATE]
- Review date: [REVIEW DATE]
1. Permission
The Landowner gives permission for the Beekeeper to place and manage honey bee colonies at the apiary location described above, subject to the terms below.
2. Number of hives and equipment
Maximum number of hives: [MAX HIVES]
Equipment permitted on site (if any): [EQUIPMENT LIST]
3. Access and site rules
Access times / restrictions: [ACCESS TIMES]
Parking / vehicle access: [PARKING DETAILS]
Gates / locks / keys: [KEY ARRANGEMENTS]
Livestock / dogs / site hazards: [NOTES]
4. Beekeeper responsibilities
- Manage colonies responsibly and carry out routine inspections.
- Maintain good hygiene and control pests/disease appropriately.
- Respond to reasonable landowner concerns promptly.
- Keep the apiary area tidy and remove waste/packaging.
- Maintain appropriate records (where relevant).
5. Landowner responsibilities
- Provide reasonable access to the apiary location as agreed.
- Inform the beekeeper of known site changes that may affect safety (works, livestock moves, events).
6. Safety and risk awareness
The Beekeeper will take sensible steps to manage risk (for example: sensible hive siting, calm handling practices, and avoiding inspections in unsuitable conditions). Where appropriate, an apiary risk assessment will be maintained and reviewed.
7. Insurance (if applicable)
The Beekeeper’s public liability cover (if held): [INSURANCE DETAILS / ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP]
This section records what is held at the time of signing and does not replace policy wording.
8. Notice and termination
Either party may end this agreement with [NOTICE PERIOD] written notice.
On termination, the Beekeeper will remove hives/equipment by [REMOVAL TIMESCALE] and leave the site tidy.
9. Signatures
Landowner signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________
Beekeeper signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________
Download the Template
Download a printable landowner–beekeeper agreement template and keep it with your apiary records.
- Landowner–Beekeeper Agreement Template (Word): Download
- All templates in one place: Free Downloads
- Recommended companion: Apiary Risk Assessment (UK)
Reminder: this template supports good practice but doesn’t replace site-specific judgement or independent advice where needed.
Related pages
- Beekeeping Responsibilities (UK) (safety, records and good practice)
- Apiary Risk Assessment (UK) (hazards and controls)
- Veterinary Medicine Records (what to record and why)