BBKA News
BBKA News
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Remembering
"The telling of the bees is a traditional European custom in which bees would be told of important events in their keeper's lives, such as births, marriages, or departures and returns in the household." Here we remember our fellow Beekeepers. Dinah Sweet, Cardiff Beekeepers Association "As an experienced Master beekeeper, Dinah willingly passed on her skills and wrote many articles helping beekeepers advance their knowledge. She was a well known and appreciated Seasonal Bee Inspector in South Wales where she lived with her husband, John. "Dinah ran workshops at the Spring Convention encouraging exhibitors at all levels and giving helpful tips on how to improve. As a Honey Judge she gave willingly of her time at the National Honey Show and inspired others with her exhibits. Dinah also worked with Bees for Development delivering workshops in Trinidad for Honey Judges and was the author of many articles in BBKA News and of the Special Edition on M... -
Winter Colony Survival Survey 2019/20
30 March 2020 BBKA Winter Colony Survival Survey 2019/20 The annual survey by the BBKA has been running year-on-year since 2007. It aims to determine its members' honey bee colony survival and to understand the causes of success and failures in overwinter colony survival. The survey time period is from 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020. So, as you complete your first inspections of your colonies, please fill it in. Click here for the latest survey - it will take only a few minutes to complete: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158192743510 -ends- -
Temporary Office Closure March 2020
Office Temporary Closure The BBKA is closing the office for 3 weeks due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. During this time no orders from the shop will be processed. The phone lines will still be answered but please bear with the staff during this time as there may be delays. The phone lines are being redirected but only one call can be taken at a time. It will be easier for staff if you send an email to bbka@bbka.org.uk or direct to the team member if you know their email address. Advice for beekeepers tending hives during Covid-19 Pandemic Swarm Collection curing Covid-19 Pandemic If you are enquiring about Swarms please see our swarm page If you have a beekeeping question please join the BBKA Forum If you have made an order from the shop after 24/3/2020 it will not be processed until staff return to the office. If you have a question about Asian hornets please see our AHAT map page If your question relates to be added as an AH... -
Tending Hives during Covid-19
National Bee Unit Beebase advice about COVID-19 and Beekeeping It is suggested you print out and carry a copy when going to tend your bees at your BeeBase registered apiaries. Updated version with Logos 200403_COVID19_guidance.pdf As well as social distancing and apiary hygiene advice please note the following paragraph If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, you should be self-isolating at home and should not be visiting other premises. Ideally, another beekeeper should take on this duty wherever possible. We are suggesting that local associations consider how they can support those confined or unable to attend their bees at this difficult time for all of us. If you are not registered with Beebase, or have apiaries that are not registered then please visit http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/ 24 March 2020 BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: "Bees are livestock and should be tended. "You may visit your bees fo... -
Swarm Collection during Covid-19
24 March 2020 BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: "The swarm collection service will still be in operation during the pandemic. Swarm collection can go ahead but you must take into account social distancing. Risk assess the situation and do not take unnecessary risks as health services will be under pressure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. As always, only collect when it is safe to do so. We are working with DEFRA." You can find info on swarms and our map of collectors here: www.bbka.org.uk/swarm -ends-
