A college near Hook has welcomed 35,000 new additions to its campus.

Lord Wandsworth College (LWC) announced the arrival of a colony of honeybees on Monday, November 4.

The new insect residents are the result of months of planning, inspired by Hive Helpers, a charity based in Farnham.

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The college's catering manager Iain Hedley spearheaded the project (Image: Lord Wandsworth College) LWC catering manager, Iain Hedley, who spearheaded the project, said: "I saw Hive Helpers at a sustainability fair and went on one of their courses.

"It was a breathtaking moment, being in amongst the bees. There were five hives, with upwards of 200,000 bees but they weren’t flying around us.

"They were all going about their business, solely focused on getting the job done.

"I think if I had been there and not come away inspired to kick on and do something, then I’d have missed the point altogether."

The bees will have a designated space in a hazel copse on the college's 1,200-acre campus.

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Lord Wandsworth College has welcomed 35,000 honeybees to its campus (Image: Lord Wandsworth College) The area was selected for its shelter and proximity to food stores and it is hoped the number of bees could double by the end of next summer.

The college also hopes to benefit from the bees' presence in other ways, such as pollinating the surrounding farmland and offering educational opportunities for the students.

Mr Hedley said: "There’s huge potential for student engagement. Some can use beekeeping as a DofE skill. It’s also great for wellbeing.

"Beekeepers do a lot with veterans because it’s such a rewarding activity from a mindfulness perspective."

Headmaster Adam Williams added: "Bees are a crucial part of our ecosystem and we welcome all 35,000 of them to their new home.

"At LWC, we are immersed in our landscape and we constantly strive to enhance, diversify, nurture and cherish it.

"With a staggering 97 per cent of UK wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, this represents a massive reduction of an important food source. We have taken a stand.

"These invaluable meadows have been re-sown, re-distributed and are ready."

Erica Evans, founder of Hive Helpers, said: "I’m really heartened that LWC wants to pursue sustainable, fair and low-intervention beekeeping.

"Having insects on site which LWC is personally responsible for will allow the team and students to consider how the farmland around the hive is managed and will increase the likelihood of them making decisions which benefit pollinators."