At Alex & Matteo Estate Agents, we don’t just live and work in the SE1 area—we’re passionate about connecting with the people and organisations that make our local community so special. That’s why we recently took a trip to Surrey Quays to meet the brilliant team behind BeesMax, a non-profit organisation working hard to reverse the decline of the UK’s bee population.
We were lucky enough to spend the day with Mark from BeesMax, who gave us an inside look at how their projects are helping both pollinators and the local community. You can check out the highlights in our latest Tik Tok video, but we also wanted to share a bit more about this inspiring initiative and the difference they’re making—right here in our local area.
BeesMax is a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the worrying decline in the UK’s bee population. Over the last few decades, wild and managed bees have been disappearing at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use.
But BeesMax is doing something about it. Rather than simply raising awareness, they take practical action by working with businesses, landlords, and community groups to install and maintain bee hives in safe, sustainable locations. One of their standout projects is their partnership with FirstPort—a major residential property management company—which you can read more about on the BeesMax website.
Through this collaboration, they’ve been able to create bee-friendly spaces across multiple developments—including Surrey Quays—where local communities can learn about and support biodiversity.
During our visit, Mark walked us through the setup at one of their active hives in the Surrey Quays area. The location is discreet and thoughtfully designed so the bees are kept safe, while also giving residents and visitors a chance to learn more about their behaviour and importance.
BeesMax manages all the maintenance and care for the hives themselves. They use innovative hive monitoring technology to gather data on the bee colonies’ health and activity.
This means their beekeepers can remotely track how the bees are doing and intervene quickly if any issues arise—all while minimising disruption to the environment.
One of the most exciting elements of their work is community engagement. Mark explained how BeesMax regularly organises educational events and talks, helping residents and local school groups get hands-on with bee education. In a world where nature can sometimes feel distant or inaccessible, this kind of direct involvement helps foster a stronger connection with the environment. People are also able to watch a live stream of the activity on their website.
We all know bees are good for pollinating flowers—but their importance goes far beyond that.
Bees are critical to the UK’s food supply. Around one third of the food we eat depends on pollinators like bees. Without them, crops such as apples, strawberries, and broccoli would struggle to grow. The UK’s National Pollinator Strategy has highlighted the urgent need to support bee populations in both rural and urban areas, making initiatives like BeesMax more essential than ever.
What really stood out to us is how BeesMax’s model bridges the gap between environmental responsibility and community benefit. They’re not just installing hives—they’re embedding sustainability into the heart of neighbourhoods like Surrey Quays. Mark also sells the honey made by the bees locally, so great for hay fever sufferers.
At Alex & Matteo, we’ve always believed that a great neighbourhood is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about people, green spaces, local businesses, and shared values. That’s why seeing something like the BeesMax project in action was such a breath of fresh air.
Surrey Quays has long been known for its unique balance of nature and city living. With its close proximity to the Thames, Russia Dock Woodland, and Southwark Park, it’s a location that naturally lends itself to outdoor, sustainable initiatives. BeesMax fits right in—offering a fresh take on urban environmentalism that is both practical and educational.
If you’re lucky enough to live in or around Surrey Quays, keep an eye out for BeesMax signage or upcoming events. You might find a hidden hive closer than you think.
We were genuinely inspired by what we saw, which is why we captured our visit in a short video on our TikTok channel. Whether you’re a nature lover, a parent wanting to educate your children, or simply curious about bees, it’s well worth a watch.
A huge thank you to Mark and the team at BeesMax for taking the time to speak with us and for all the work they’re doing behind the scenes to protect one of the UK’s most vital species.
We know that buyers and renters alike are increasingly conscious of environmental values when choosing where to live. Green spaces, sustainability, and community-led initiatives add real value to a neighbourhood.
BeesMax is a shining example of how environmental action and residential life can work hand in hand.
We’re proud to support organisations like this—and even prouder to showcase the people making a difference in the SE16 area and beyond.
To see more ways we support the local community, visit our blog section.
Whether you’re looking to move to Surrey Quays or just want to stay informed about what’s happening locally, Alex & Matteo are here to help.
We live and work in SE16—and we care about the future of our community, from bee hives to beautiful homes.
Contact us today to find your place in this thriving, forward-thinking part of London.
