For bees and pigs, ask the neighbours first

BEES

A HIVE of bees can produce up to 60 pounds of honey a year – a harvest worth £300 if you sell one pound jars for £5 each.

But before you start counting all that money, you must consider the cost associated with this rewarding hobby. A basic hive costs around £200 while a nuc – a small starter colony with a queen – might set you back a further £150. A protective suit with a few basic tools, such as a smoker to calm bees down, adds a further £150. Contact the British Beekeepers Association for further details, including courses available to wannabe beekeepers.

PIGS

WHETHER a Gloucestershire Old Spot, Black Tamworth or a Saddleback, you can choose from more than a dozen British breeds to bring home the bacon. But be aware of the mess they make of flower beds. Each pig typically requires 30 sq ft in which to wallow. Fences plus a sty costs at least £250.

Keep at least two pigs for company. Piglets cost from £25 and by the time they are four months old can be sold to a butcher for £250. They can eat 2kg of feed a day, costing £5 a week. You need understanding neighbours who do not mind farmyard smells. For details, contact the British Pig Association.