REAL-ale lovers are raising their glasses to both hops and honey bees this summer at Skelwith Fold caravan park in Ambleside.

That's because the family-run business has launched its own craft brewery beer, with every bottle benefitting the UK's largest honey bee charity.

The park's Wild Ales will help the British Beekeepers Association make younger people more aware of the importance of halting the decline of Britain's bee population.

The bee charity will receive a donation from every bottle sold, and according to director Henry Wild, thirsty guests have already given a thumbs-up to the hop-rich ale.

The charity's funding boost, hopes Henry, will run into hundreds of pounds each year – and will complement the park's existing commitment to help honey bees thrive.

Skelwith Fold's 130 acres are a haven for nectar-rich wild flowers upon which bees depend, encouraged by a ban by the park on the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

The park is a long-time holder of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level, celebrating its raft of wildlife-friendly initiatives.

But according to Henry, this is the first time that the business has rolled out the barrel for bees:

"Many of our guests have a keen interest in nature, and we are always happy to advise how they can play their part in aiding conservation," said Henry. "Now we can also point to our own tipple as a way to create a brighter future for bees.

"Every glass raised will help the British Beekeepers Association to educate children about honey bees, and especially their vital role in plant pollination," he added.