...What do others do who keep theirs on an allotment? Screening?...
Allotments around here in the London suburbs are where many of us keep our bees. In general the council and allotment holders are supportive, msny of the regular allotmenteers ask about how the bees are doing. Having bees around is part of the gardening cycle, good for plums and tree fruit in spring, currents, strawberry and raspberry. Various beans, squashes and other veg, even seeds kept from some flowers
There are precautions, most hives are on a plot or rough edge of the allotments away from the entrance or area where there's a lot of traffic. Backing up to railway lines or scrub is often a good place. It's expected by the council that anybody with hives will be members of the local association. I'm not sure if it's absolutely required, but aside from the third party insurance, it means there are experienced beekeepers that can help. Swarming or aggressive bees are also expected to be dealt with. It's also convenient for the council if they have regular contacts for sites if there are problems or maintenance such as refencing.
Some sites are screened, fences and hedges or debris netting. Some just rely on some separation, some use partial concealment among scrubby plums or other bushes. One side that does have to be considered is occasional vandalism or theft. If not screens or fences then strapping down hives to heavy bases can head off a few prods from the young.
And while I remember, it's better if you can time anything disruptive away from when most allotment activity is taking place. That's probably late morning or early afternoon at weekends or Bank Holidays. As an emergency contact coupled with basic theft deterrence I write a mobile phone number under the roof and elsewhere inside, and less exposed places outside, boxes.
