When people think of Royal Marines, they often picture courage, resilience and the ability to operate in some of the most challenging environments in the world.
But at Norton Manor Camp, a new mission is taking shape – one involving bee suits, hive tools and thousands of tiny recruits.
In January 2025, a group of Royal Marines began a very different type of training as they took their first steps into the world of beekeeping as part of Project Commando Nectar – an initiative designed to reconnect the 40 Commando family with nature, each other and the environment around them.
The project forms part of Project GAIA, 40 Commando’s wider ecology programme, which is transforming Norton Manor Camp into a thriving natural environment through rewilding, conservation and biodiversity projects.
At its heart, Project Commando Nectar is about much more than bees. It is about creating opportunities for serving personnel, families, veterans, civil servants and the wider 40 Commando community to come together through a shared activity, develop new skills and create lasting connections.
With support from experienced beekeepers at Taunton Beekeeping Association and funding support from Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), the project has established its first apiary at Norton Manor Camp, with nine hives now successfully introduced.
A different kind of challenge
For the Royal Marines involved, stepping into the apiary has meant exchanging familiar equipment for something entirely new.
Rifles have been replaced with smokers, body armour with protective bee suits, and operational planning has been applied to the careful management of a colony.
Although few of the participants had previous beekeeping experience, their military skills have proven invaluable.
Attention to detail, teamwork, patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure are all essential when working with bees. Within weeks, the team were learning how to identify queens, monitor brood patterns, assess colony health and understand the behaviour of their hives.
The result is a group of new beekeepers who are helping establish something that will benefit the entire 40 Commando family.
A hive built for connection
While conservation is a key part of Project Commando Nectar, its wider purpose is to create connection.
Military life can bring unique challenges for families, particularly during periods of deployment and separation. Having opportunities to come together, build friendships and share experiences can make a meaningful difference.
Interest has already been significant, with more than 30 members of the wider 40 Commando community expressing interest in becoming involved as the project develops.
The long-term ambition is to make beekeeping accessible for all ages, creating opportunities for young family members discovering nature for the first time, alongside veterans and serving personnel learning new skills together.
Supporting wellbeing through nature
For those involved, the benefits extend far beyond learning how to care for bees.
The calm and focus required in the apiary provides a welcome contrast to the pace and pressures of military life. Spending time outdoors, working alongside others and connecting with nature can offer valuable opportunities to pause, reflect and recharge.
By creating a space where people can spend time together away from the demands of service life, Project Commando Nectar supports the wider wellbeing of the 40 Commando family.
RNRMC support helping families become part of the hive
RNRMC is proud to support Project Commando Nectar and the opportunities it creates for the wider 40 Commando community.
The project has already been brought to life through the commitment and dedication of those at Norton Manor Camp, who have invested significant time, expertise and resources into establishing the apiary.
RNRMC’s support will help ensure families are able to fully participate by providing essential equipment and resources, including protective clothing suitable for all ages, family engagement equipment and facilities that will allow the project to grow sustainably.
By helping remove barriers to participation, RNRMC is supporting a project that brings people together, strengthens connections and provides meaningful opportunities for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community to engage with nature.
We are incredibly proud to play a part in helping Project Commando Nectar take flight and look forward to seeing how this unique initiative continues to grow.
