Honeybee Entrance Monitor System Cwyn Solvi – Queen Mary University of London   The main aim of this project was to develop an entrance monitoring system that can track individual honeybees entering and exiting their hive. We also wanted the system able to be used with a variety of insects, cost under £250 per unit, and be user friendly enough so that researchers at all levels can utilise the system. Below I describe how my collaborators and I have accomplished these goals. The System  Our design utilizes the Raspberry Pi microcomputer system, and consists of a single Raspberry Pi microcomputer, a Raspberry Pi camera, and an external hard drive to store the photos taken. These items together cost around £150. The additional cost of an encasement for weather protection, utilizing 3D printing, should cost no more than £25. My collaborator, Dr Tim Gernat (US/Germany) wrote the Linux-based software (adapted from his previous software for trafficking s...

There are over 270 area associations and branches who serve their local community with support and education. The majority offer beekeeping experiences and training courses, support local events and sell honey.  Whether you are in Northumberland or the Isle of Wight there is a network of support. They will all be able to help you on your way to becoming a successful beekeeper. If you would like to find out what's on offer in your area, please find links through to our local associations in the map below.  Click on the closest Bee for the information you need - you may need to zoom the map out to find one in your area. DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT THIS WORK You can find out more about beekeeping on the following page: Courses and Education  A lovely video made by our Twickenham and Thames Valley Beekeepers Association for their Centenary to show what it's all about: YouTube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0f2D97WTKc

Membership of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) brings many rewards We recommend, particularly if you are a new beekeeper or want to start beekeeping, that you join your local BBKA affiliated beekeeping association who can provide training and support but you are also part of the national organisation.  Partner, Junior and School memberships are also available. Education  Support and mentoring Practical teaching at the training apiary Training and education meetings Online forum for beekeeping support Beekeeping examinations, from beginner to the highest level  Insurance & Magazine £10m third party public & product liability insurance  Monthly full cover membership magazine, BBKA News, posted to you On-line BBKA News magazine archive which is fully searchable Other benefits  Annual Spring Convention and Exhibition with a full range of lectures and seminars Webshop with educational books and resources Appear on ...

10 Sept 2020 The first Asian Hornet of 2020 has been confirmed in Gosport in Hampshire. Beekeepers and members of the public were today asked to remain vigilant. The National Bee Unit has confirmed the sighting of Asian Hornets on a bunch of grapes in an area near Gosport. Live tracking of the hornets is underway and they hope to find the nest soon. The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than our native wasps and hornets. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees.  This is the first confirmed UK sighting since October 2019, when two related nests were detected and destroyed near Christchurch, Dorset. DNA tests on those nests and two others found in 2019 have shown that the queens all came from France.  Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Nicola Spence said: "By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by...