We’ve got some seriously good news to share, and it involves a little bit of fate, a whole lot of mud, and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors.
Here at Swazi, we’re thrilled to officially announce our new affiliate partnership with Old Castle Farm Hives—a family-run operation in Neath, Wales, dedicated to equipping beekeepers and outdoor professionals with top-tier gear.
If you’ve spent any time working outdoors, you know that the folks who rely on their kit—be they farmers, hunters, or beekeepers—demand the same things: durability, comfort, and reliability. That’s exactly what Old Castle Farm Hives delivers, which is why this partnership is such a natural fit.
A Tale of Two Sentinels
Before we dive into who they are and what they do, we have to talk about the coincidence that made us all smile. Old Castle Farm Hives is famous for its exclusive line of beekeeping gear, including its incredibly rugged, virtually sting-proof outfit: the Sentinel Pro Jacket.
If that name sounds familiar, it's because it’s the namesake of our very own rugged, dependable, and field-tested Sentinel Jacket and Trousers. It seems that whether you’re inspecting a hive on a Welsh mountainside or trekking through the bush in New Zealand, the word "Sentinel" means the same thing: reliable, uncompromising protection. It was a sign that this partnership was meant to be.
Getting to Know Old Castle Farm Hives
Old Castle Farm Hives isn't just a shop; it’s a genuine success story born from a lifetime spent in the field. Based in the beautiful but often challenging environment of Wales, they are an established, experienced, and trusted supplier of everything a beekeeper needs—from hives and tools to high-performance, specialised clothing like their 6mm thick, ultimate-protection Sentinel Pro III range. They are driven by a simple mission: to deliver quality products and provide 1st-class customer Service, including next-day delivery for 95% of the UK and offering expert advice born from their own extensive experience.
To celebrate our new partnership and introduce you properly, we sat down with the team at OCFH for a quick Q&A.
Q&A: Old Castle Farm Hives on Swazi, Sentinels, and Stings
1. Can you tell us a little about Old Castle Farm Hives – who you are and how the business began?
Old Castle Farm Hives is a family-run beekeeping supply company based in Neath, Wales. With over 20 years of experience, the business began from a genuine passion for beekeeping and a desire to support fellow beekeepers with high-quality products and expert guidance. What started as a local beekeeping endeavour has grown into a trusted supplier serving customers across the UK and beyond.
2. What inspired you to move from keeping bees in Wales to creating a full beekeeping supply business?
The transition was driven by a clear need in the community: reliable, durable, and well-designed beekeeping equipment. As experienced beekeepers ourselves, we understood the challenges and frustrations that came with subpar gear. That insight inspired us to create a business that not only sold products but also offered advice, education, and support to help others thrive in their beekeeping journey.
3. What are the core products you’re best known for, and what makes them stand out in the market?
We’re especially known for our Sentinel breathable and “virtually sting-proof” beekeeping suits and gloves, which combine comfort with protection. Our ready-assembled and flat-pack western red cedar bee hives, Benka honey extraction equipment, and bespoke beekeeping tools are also customer favourites. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, innovation, and fast delivery — we dispatch orders by 2pm for next-day delivery to 95% of the UK.
4. As a family-run company, what values guide how you work with your customers and partners?
We operate with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for our customers. Every interaction is guided by our belief in building long-term relationships, not just transactions. We’re proud to offer personalized service, expert advice, and a warm welcome to anyone who visits our shop at the farm. Our goal is to make beekeeping accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.
5. How do you see Old Castle Farm Hives’ role within the wider beekeeping and rural community?
We see ourselves as both a supplier and a steward of the beekeeping tradition. By offering educational courses, attending events like The Beekeeping Show, and supporting sustainable practices, we aim to strengthen the rural economy and promote environmental stewardship. We’re passionate about helping new and seasoned beekeepers alike find success and joy in their craft.
6. When did you first hear about Swazi, and what was your first impression of the brand?
We first came across Swazi through word-of-mouth in the hunting and farming community. Our first impression? Rugged, reliable, and built for real-world conditions. Their gear felt like a natural fit for me and our customers — especially those who spend long days hunting or working in the field, rain or shine.
7. What do you think makes Swazi gear relevant to your customers in the UK and Europe?
Swazi’s gear is designed for tough environments, which makes it perfect for UK and European beekeepers, farmers, and outdoor workers. The attention to detail, durability, and comfort are exactly what our customers need — whether they’re inspecting hives, hunting in the mountains or working in unpredictable weather.
8. Are there particular Swazi products you’re most excited to introduce to your audience?
Absolutely — the Sentinel Jacket, Swazi Tahr XP Anorak and Swazi Hood are top of our list. They’re ideal for beekeepers who need protection from wind and rain without sacrificing mobility. We’re also excited about the base layers, which are perfect for layering under beekeeping suits during colder months.
9. What do you hope this partnership will bring to both Old Castle Farm Hives and Swazi?
We hope it brings mutual growth and a stronger connection to the outdoor and agricultural communities. For us, it’s about offering our customers even more value and versatility. For Swazi, it’s a chance to reach a new audience of passionate, hands-on professionals who appreciate quality gear.
10. Finally, how do you see this collaboration growing over the next few years?
We see it evolving into a deep partnership — with co-branded gear, joint events, and perhaps even custom designs tailored for beekeepers. As both brands grow, we’ll continue listening to our customers and adapting to their needs. The future’s buzzing with possibilities.
Ready to Explore?
We're incredibly proud to partner with a company like Old Castle Farm Hives that shares our commitment to quality and real-world performance.
You can check out their world of beekeeping supplies, including their famous Sentinel gear, and the Swazi products they’re stocking now, by visiting their website: https://www.oldcastlefarmhives.com/
Here’s to many years of keeping our respective Sentinels (and everyone who wears them) safe and comfortable, whatever the work demands!
