David Beckham, the former England football captain, has found himself in a sticky situation with his neighbors. The footballing legend, known for his lavish lifestyle, has been accused of placing beehives on the boundary of his £12 million country mansion in a move seen by some as a "buzz off" message to nosy onlookers.
Locals are furious, fearing they could be attacked by swarming insects after Beckham installed two new hives next to a public footpath near his Oxfordshire home. They argue that the positioning of these hives defies public safety advice, potentially posing a danger to walkers.
Beckham's new hives join nine existing ones he's kept on his property since 2021. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star developed a passion for beekeeping during the COVID-19 lockdown and even shared "beekeeping tips" with King Charles during a visit to the monarch's Highgrove home.
One local, however, voiced skepticism about the placement of the hives, suggesting they were deliberately placed near the footpath to discourage walkers. "It feels like he's trying to get people to avoid the footpath," they said. "Otherwise, why put them so close to the footpath when he has at least two very large fields to the north and south of the house to put them on?"
This isn't the first time Beckham, 49, has faced criticism from neighbors since moving into the Cotswolds bolthole with his pop star wife Victoria and their four children in 2017. Last year, the A-list couple faced accusations of trying to construct a road across a public footpath to build a greenhouse on their estate. Previously, they were also under fire for plans to create a massive lake on their sprawling property.
It's rumored that the Beckhams have grown frustrated by the "constant rubber-necking" of locals, ramblers, and guests at the nearby Soho Farmhouse private members' country club, who often take walks past their home. In an attempt to regain privacy, they have invested significant sums in landscaping, planting trees, and re-configuring the landscape to block views from the public footpath to their Grade II listed barn conversion.
The family has poured tens of thousands of pounds into renovating the property, adding luxurious features like a sauna, a safari tent, and a football pitch. While the estate was originally visible from the footpath, it is now largely concealed, especially during the summer months.
A spokesperson for the Beckhams, however, has denied any intention to deter walkers. They have stated that the hives were placed in accordance with beekeeping regulations and that the family is committed to responsible beekeeping practices.
However, concerns remain about the proximity of the hives to the public footpath. Experts in rural ecology and beekeeping emphasize the importance of keeping hives at a safe distance from footpaths to avoid accidental stings.
While most bee stings result in localized pain, swelling, and redness, some people can experience severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Beekeeping organizations, including the British Beekeepers Association and the National Allotment Society, strongly advise against placing hives near public footpaths, recommending a buffer zone of at least 7-8 meters, or 14-15 meters if a barrier like a hedge is not present.
Despite the controversy surrounding the beehives, Beckham's passion for beekeeping remains evident. He has shared numerous posts on social media showcasing his hives and the honey produced. He even revealed in a Netflix documentary that he enjoys beekeeping alongside his wife Victoria, though they disagree on what to name their honey.
Beckham's love for beekeeping has even extended to his friendship with King Charles, who shares a similar passion. The footballer has shared his admiration for the King's Foundation and even compared "beekeeping tips" with him during a visit to Highgrove Gardens.
While the Beckhams' beekeeping hobby might be endearing, the placement of their hives near a public footpath has sparked a heated debate about privacy, safety, and responsible land management. It remains to be seen whether the Beckhams will adjust the placement of their hives or if the controversy will continue to buzz.
