What would you do if someone handed you a spare beesuit and invited you to step into a buzzing apiary? That was my moment of truth. Curiosity won, and from the instant I looked inside my first hive, I was captivated. The calm hum of the colony, the teamwork of the bees, and the miracle of honey drew me in.
Meet Sandra Palmer-Snellin
I’m Sandra Palmer-Snellin, and my beekeeping journey began in 2019. I was nervous at first, but standing among the bees brought me peace instead of fear. What started as a gentle hobby quickly became a passion, and now Palmers Honey Farm is where I dedicate my heart and hands. My mission is simple — to produce delicious honey in a sustainable way, working hand in hand with Dorset’s ecosystem and sharing the natural health benefits of local honey with those who value authenticity.
Farming Roots in Dorset
I grew up in a Dorset farming family, where food, flowers, and pollinators were part of daily life. That grounding in nature shaped who I am today. Together with my brother Phillip, I co-founded Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, a much-loved Dorset attraction for families. With my husband John and our two children, we’ve built a life rooted in care, honesty, and hard work. Palmers Honey Farm is not just my project — it’s a true family effort, with John building hives, lifting supers, extracting honey, and my children indulging mum in everything bees! Family, farming, and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Learning to Care for Bees
To deepen my knowledge, I joined the East Dorset Beekeeping Association. Their six-week course and welcoming mentors gave me the confidence to care for colonies with skill and patience. Beekeeping is a constant learning journey. Every season brings new lessons — the weather shifts, the flowers bloom, and the bees teach me patience, adaptability, and respect. This is what makes caring for pollinators both humbling and deeply rewarding.
Working in Harmony with Honeybees
Beekeeping is about trust. I watch for signs of a healthy queen, strong brood, and thriving workers. By gently guiding the colony and giving them room to grow, I support their natural rhythm. Every hive is a partnership — the bees set the pace, and I provide the care and space they need to thrive.
Healthy Colonies, Healthy Honey
Every jar of Palmers Honey is unpasteurised, pure, and strained and jarred — nothing added, nothing taken away. It brims with the natural flavour of Dorset’s countryside. From wildflowers and hedgerows to coastal breezes and meadows, each teaspoonful carries the story of the season. I believe that when bees are healthy, their honey is pure — a gift of care, quality, and nature that we are proud to share with our community.
Family, Farming, and Community
Beekeeping connects all parts of my life. My family’s support, our farming roots, and Dorset’s close-knit community all shape Palmers Honey Farm. I’m proud to serve as Chair of the East Dorset Beekeeping Association and to share my knowledge with others. Together, we nurture bees, inspire new beekeepers, and protect pollinators for future generations. Honesty, care, quality, and great customer service guide everything I do, from tending hives to sharing honey with our customers.
Our Values and Mission
At Palmers Honey Farm, everything begins with care for the bees, the land, and the people who enjoy our honey. My mission is to produce sustainable, local honey that supports the ecosystem, enhances wellbeing, and delights in every spoonful. I believe in honesty, quality, and putting people first. Every jar is a reminder of nature’s gift and the harmony we can achieve when we work in harmony with it.
Buy Local Dorset Honey Online
Our honey is available for direct order from Palmers Honey Farm’s online shop or by visiting Farmer Palmers Farm Park, near Poole. Every jar is harvested with care, unpasteurised, pure, and strained and jarred — nothing added, nothing taken away, and filled with the flavour of Dorset’s wildflowers. When you buy local honey, you’re supporting pollinators, sustainable farming, and a family business rooted in the community.
Beekeeping in Dorset – Protecting Pollinators
As a beekeeper in Dorset, I believe in caring for bees with respect and patience. Each colony plays a vital role in pollination, biodiversity, and the maintenance of our food supply. By supporting Palmers Honey Farm, you’re also helping to protect pollinators and keep our countryside thriving.
Looking Ahead – Exciting New Flavours
The journey doesn’t end here. My next steps are to develop exceptional honey blends that enhance cooking and overall well-being. By working with talented local chefs such as WhitePepper Chef Academy and James Private Chef, we are exploring ways to blend high-quality honey with vitamins, botanicals, and flavours. The mission is simple: crafting functional products to support specific health needs, while making sure they taste absolutely amazing. This next chapter will celebrate innovation, sustainability, and the timeless magic of honey.