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BBKA Guide to Beekeeping This is the only book for beginners endorsed by the BBKA. It’s enjoyable and easy to read, has clear photography and illustrations and is the definitive text for the basic assessment. The BBKA Guide to Beekeeping introduces the reader to the craft and includes sections on the workings of the colony,ContinueContinue reading “Reading and links to trusted sources”

You can see more pictures from the practical day by clicking here. Apiary meeting, Swanmore, Friday 11 June 2021 Apiary meeting, Swanmore, Friday 11 June 2021 Meadow creation event at West End apiary, Saturday 24 April 2021 Meridian beekeepers at Swanmore apiary

Varroa destructor is an external parasite of honey bees. It is non-native to the UK and Europe and was accidently introduced in the early 1990s via the movement of infested honeybees from Asia. It has now spread worldwide. Varroa lives harmoniously with the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) which has adapted to it. Elsewhere, Varroa hasContinueContinue reading “Varroa, an overview”

Shook Swarm This is a temporary page, a step-by-step guide will appear here shortly. The shook swarm or shakedown method is a simple and effective process. Although it may seem drastic, when it is carried out in the spring it usually has the benefit of invigorating the bees. Beebase, Shook swarm. Newer beekeepers are sometimesContinueContinue reading “Shook swarm”

Apiaries should be sited so that only the beekeeper ever gets stung! By having high walls or hedges around an apiary, bees can be forced to fly well above close neighbours. If neighbours or pets do get stung, relations can be impaired and the risk of danger to life, although small, cannot be overlooked. AnaphylasisContinueContinue reading “Siting your apiary”