Jo Widdicombe, B.Sc. (Hons.) Environmental Science, is a respected author, bee farmer, and advocate for sustainable, locally adapted beekeeping. With over 30 years of practical beekeeping experience, Jo runs more than 100 colonies in Cornwall and has established himself as a leading voice in the conservation and improvement of the native European dark honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
A long-time member of the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders Association (BIBBA), Jo served on the BIBBA Committee for more than 25 years, contributing significantly to its mission of promoting the breeding of hardy, docile, and productive bees suited to local conditions and lead on NatBIP. He also worked as a Seasonal Bee Inspector for five years, further deepening his knowledge of bee health and management across the UK.
Jo is best known for his widely praised book, The Principles of Bee Improvement, which distils decades of hands-on experience and scientific understanding into a practical guide for beekeepers of all scales. The book emphasizes the importance of selecting and improving bees from the local population, rather than relying on imported stock, and outlines a clear, repeatable process for breeding better bees through natural and artificial selection.
Firmly grounded in the values of sustainability and local adaptation, Jo’s work aligns with the goals of the B4 Project and other initiatives aimed at conserving Britain and Ireland’s native black bee. His advocacy has helped shift the conversation in UK beekeeping toward resilience, genetic integrity, and long-term health over short-term gain.
Whether speaking at conferences, writing for bee journals, or mentoring fellow beekeepers, Jo Widdicombe remains a steadfast champion of bee improvement through observation, patience, and a deep respect for nature’s processes.
[…] one of the UK’s leading voices in bee breeding and conservation, Jo Widdicombe brings over 30 years of hands-on experience to his work, including serving as a Seasonal Bee […]