The former Top Gear presenter, who lives with his wife, Lisa Hogan, on the large property in the Cotswolds, has installed over ten beehives along a five-foot high hedge lining a one-mile lane leading to his farm and private residence, according to Mail Online.
Clarkson reportedly set up the beehives to deter wandering fans who frequent the lane while exploring the scenic countryside.
However, this move has upset local walkers, who have complained about being stung and disturbed by the bees. Additionally, some residents are concerned that the beehives are too close to the lane, posing a risk to people, including children and dogs, who often use the path.
Gerald Cooper, a star of Clarkson’s Prime Video show Clarkson’s Farm, addressed the complaints, assuring that the bees are not dangerous.
“If people don’t want to be stung then they should keep away from the lane,” he told the MailOnline. “People who are from outside the area shouldn’t be up there anyway. It’s the summer, there are a lot of bees flying around and bee stings happen. What’s the fuss?”
Jeremy Clarkson’s placement of beehives is not the first instance where he has clashed with local opinions. In a recent column for the Sunday Times, the former BBC presenter revealed that he had sought planning permission to buy a local pub but was unable to do so, remarking, “I couldn’t buy my village boozer. The locals would set fire to me if I did that.”
Instead, Clarkson purchased The Windmill in Burford, though he noted that this acquisition has also brought its own set of challenges.
“For example, the cellar is too small, the gable end is falling down, the outside decking area is dangerous, the water is unfit for human consumption, the loft is full of dead rats and the lavatories are illegal.”
But, he’s taking it in his stride and has high hopes for when the work is complete: “In the corner, there will be a table with my name on it. A place where I can go on a Sunday with my granddaughter for some gammon, egg and chips. Well-priced, British-grown food with a pint of Hawkstone beer. And a warm fuzzy feeling inside.”
