Do you need help with a honey bee swarm?
Meridian swarm collectors cover South Hampshire including Bishops Waltham, Botley, Hedge End, Wickham, Swanmore, Titchfield and West End, Southampton.
Meridian programme 2021
We are organising a series of members’ talks in 2021. Further details can be found here. The first talk is from Brian Durk on queen rearing, 29 April.
Meadow creation, West End apiary
Thank you very much to those who volunteered. The meadow creation at West End will take place on Saturday 24 April. Click here for further information. Meadow
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby which can connect you to nature and the environment. If you’re thinking about taking up the craft, here are a few things to consider. New beekeepers
Bee imports
Small Hive Beetle which has so devastated bee populations in parts of Europe and the United States.
Under new post-Brexit rules, packages and colonies of honey bees can no longer be imported to Great Britain. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs hopes the ban will prevent the spread of bee pests and diseases. ITV report
However, Northern Ireland remains part of the single market and bee imports from Europe are still allowed. Unscrupulous operators are importing bees via Northern Ireland for onward to transfer to England, Scotland and Wales. The British Beekeepers’ Association is asking that we sign a petition to get the loophole closed as soon as possible.
BBKA Spring Convention 2021
The forty-third Spring Convention runs from Thursday 15 April 2021 (evening) to Sunday18 April 2021. This year, it’s a virtual event but with some outstanding presentations and speakers including Bill Turnbull, Celia Davies, Margaret Murdin and Nicola Bradbear. The cost is £10 for all three days if booked in advance and £12 during the event. Full details can be found at Spring convention
Practical day
The practical element of our Introduction to beekeeping course will take place on Saturday 26 June at the Swanmore apiary. Watch this space for further details.
Community
Asian hornet
We hope you will never see one of these! The Asian hornet is a dangerous, non-native species which has the potential to wreak havoc in the UK. Find out what you can do to stop it. Asian hornet
Garden
Making small changes in your garden can make a really big difference to pollinators and wildlife. Here are some links to some good ideas. Planting for pollinators
Garden friends
There are many wonderful guides to help us identify our friends in the garden. Here you’ll find links to the best of them and few examples of the insects you’re most likely to see in Hampshire. Bees, wasps and other buzzy things
About Us
We are passionate about beekeeping. Meridian Beekeepers’ Association supports beekeepers in the South Hampshire area. We also aim to raise public awareness of bees, beekeeping and the environment. Please visit our About page.
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you whether or not you are a Meridian member. Please visit our Contact page.
