Grade II listed chimney, Birmingham B17

Property and Problem

Grade II listed Victorian terrace in Harborne, B17. Owners noticed bees entering through a crack in the chimney pot mortar in early spring. By summer, the colony was fully established with thousands of bees flying in and out daily.

Survey & Diagnostics

Our drone inspection confirmed entry at the very top of the chimney pot level. Thermal imaging from inside the property showed the colony extending 1.2m down the flue. No bees were visible from inside the property as the flue was blocked above the fireplace.

The Access Challenge

Listed building consent was required for any mortar disturbance. Our survey explicitly noted the original lime mortar and flagged the strict requirement for like-for-like reinstatement upon completion of the removal.

Removal Process

We completed the removal in one day. The chimney cap was carefully lifted. We lowered the brood frames intact, transferring the colony directly into a nucleus box. The queen was located and confirmed safe.

A total of 18kg of comb and honey was recovered and thoroughly cleaned from the brickwork to prevent secondary infestations.

Proofing & Reinstatement

We installed a new stainless steel chimney cap with a close-mesh bee guard. All entry points were repointed with hot lime mortar to exactly match the original Victorian aesthetic.

Outcome

The colony was transported to the BeeSure apiary in Worcestershire. They are currently in their second season and are highly productive. The homeowners have had zero returning bees, and a structural assessment confirmed no honey had seeped into the chimney breast plaster.