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The Biggest Beehive Discovered in Years: A 160,000-Bee Colony Hidden in a Chimney
1. The Remarkable Find in Leicestershire, UK
In June 2020, a staggering colony of roughly 160,000 honeybees was found lodged within a 15-foot-tall chimney behind a bricked-up fireplace in Groby, Leicestershire, Beekeeper Peter Clarke was called to investigate “thousands” of dead insects and, upon inspecting with heat sensors, uncovered the living hive stretching from the chimney’s base to its top.
2. An Unusually Large Colony
To put this in perspective, a typical honeybee hive sustains around 40,000 individuals during summer, dwindling to as few as 5,000 in winte. This discovery therefore represented an extraordinarily dense concentration — more than three times the size of an average summer hive.
3. Rescue and Risks
During the removal, Clarke estimated he endured hundreds of stings, some areas still housing about 20,000 bees that needed to be relocated, especially the queen to maintain the colony’s structure. The dramatic “sting in the tail” certainly befitted the task.
4. Nature’s Capacity — and Rarity
This event stands out not just for the sheer number but for its rarity. While the giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) in the wild can form natural nests exceeding 100,000 bees, such vast colonies cropping up inside human structures are extremely uncommon. It underscores the hidden wonders that can remain undiscovered — even in our homes.
5. Voices from the Hive (Online Community Insights)
Such finds often spark fascination — here’s one reflection from a Reddit user about another large hive found during renovation:
“A beekeeper said ‘hive’ so there’s no way there are 120k bees with a single queen… 80k is the upper limit.”
It highlights how exceptional a colony of 160,000 truly is — exceeding typical boundaries even for experienced apiarists.
Final Thoughts
The Groby beehive stands as one of the most extraordinary natural bee discoveries in recent years. Hidden for who knows how long behind a seemingly innocuous chimney, it housed a colossal 160,000-strong colony — an exceptional and rare demonstration of nature’s hidden complexities.
Attached is a news article regarding the biggest hive found in years with over 100,000 bees
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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