About Us

Byron Raw is the passion project of John and Sascha Wooding of CloudWood Farm in Jiggi, NSW. Late-blooming bee lovers, they’ve built thriving apiaries on their own land and are growing a network of mentor hives and partner sites across the Northern Rivers region — all dedicated to sourcing and supplying raw, unprocessed products straight from the hinterland.

Their approach blends time-honoured traditions with modern practices that support our increasingly vulnerable bees. For John, beekeeping began with a simple philosophy: talk to the bees.

This phrase comes from an old European folk tradition where beekeepers would whisper major life events — births, deaths, marriages — to their hives, believing bees to be deeply connected to the household’s fate. Neglecting to do so was thought to bring misfortune or loss. The idea reflects a deep, spiritual reverence for bees — as companions, witnesses, and quiet keepers of the human story.

Today, “tell it to the bees” resonates on a different level. For many, sitting among hives — surrounded by the steady hum of bees — offers a kind of quiet therapy. The rhythm of the apiary draws you back into the present, easing anxious thoughts and offering perspective. For John and Sascha, this connection to the bees, the land, and each other is at the heart of Byron Raw: raw products with real flavour, made with reverence for the old ways, and a deep love for this place we call home.

The Healing Power of Raw Honey

Nature’s Gold: More Than Just Sweet

Raw honey has been revered for centuries—not just for its flavour, but for its powerful health benefits. Unlike processed honey, raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized, preserving more of its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients. Here’s why it deserves a place in your pantry and your first-aid kit:

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Raw honey contains a potent mix of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and enzymes that act as antioxidants. These natural compounds help:

• Reduce oxidative stress
• Protect cells from damage
• Support both heart and brain health

Thanks to its hydrogen peroxide content, natural enzymes, and low moisture, raw honey creates an environment where bacteria and fungi struggle to survive. It’s been shown to combat harmful pathogens such as:

• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus aureus

A spoonful of raw honey is a traditional remedy backed by science. It helps:

Relieve dry or irritated throats

Reduce nighttime coughing in children
(Note: Not recommended for children under 1 year due to risk of botulism.)

In clinical settings, raw honey—especially Manuka—is used for its wound-healing properties:

• Promotes tissue regeneration
• Prevents infection
• Maintains a moist environment for faster healing

Raw honey acts as a natural prebiotic, meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. It can:

• Aid digestion
• Support microbiome health
• Help ease mild digestive issues or symptoms of IBS

Thanks to its trace vitamins and minerals (like vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium) and its natural antimicrobial effects, raw honey may help strengthen your immune defences—naturally.

Better for You, Better for Bees
Support your body and support the bees. When you buy raw honey from Happy Bee, you’re not just choosing quality—you’re helping sustain healthy hives and local beekeepers in the Northern Rivers.