STAFF at a business park near Wallingford who suffer hay fever are getting a buzz out of their new neighbours - two colonies of bees.

The introduction of bee hives at Howbery Business Park could help office workers to combat the effects of hay fever, its bosses have suggested.

Honey produced by local bees is often cited as a way of helping the body to cope with the allergy and reduce its symptoms.

Introduced to the 20-acre site in the spring, the two bee colonies are now settled in, with the first signs of honey production well under way.

Management at the business park in Crowmarsh Gifford has agreed to make the honey available to staff once it has been produced.

Estates manager Donna Bowles said she was delighted the bees are now thriving.

She added: "Initially the bee hives were introduced to make the most of our landscape, improve bio-diversity and provide an added interest for our tenants.

"The potential to alleviate the symptoms of hay fever wasn’t our first thought but once we have honey production under way we will make samples available to local sufferers and hope they see some benefit."

The two hives, which were established with 5,000 bees and one Queen, are managed by Robin Sergi, landscape manager at Howbery Business Park.

Mr Sergi said: "The humble honey bee is a stunning example of nature at its best but unfortunately is under threat from a range of factors including loss of habitat.

"Howbery Business Park has invested in the flora and fauna of the site, recognising that the grounds are a key element that all our tenants enjoy.

"Over the years we have been able to develop diverse habitats ranging from the ornamental flowers through to wildflower meadows and some of the most impressive specimens of trees in the locality.

"Not only does this set us apart from the average business park, it also means we offer prime bee real estate."

In 2013 a colony of rare Ivy Bees was discovered on the site and the success of this endangered species prompted staff to introduce the new hives.

Head gardener Ben Nash is to complete his training to become a qualified bee-keeper while other tenants at the Park will be given an informal introduction to bee-keeping once the hives are fully established.

Howbery Business Park offers both short-term lets and larger, long-term options and the Environment Agency and HR Wallingford are among about 40 businesses on site.