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...

A honeybee colony swarming is a natural process. It's the colony reproducing by the old queen leaving with some of the bees. They leave their hive and find somewhere to hang in a cluster until the scout bees decide on their new home. If you think you've got a swarm please use our Swarm Collector map to find a local beekeeper to come and remove the honeybees. The photos below have been shared by our members to show you some of the beautiful examples of swarms that you might see. Sometimes the swarm really stands out!  And sometimes not!  This swarm (photos by Joe Smith from Darlington) was almost hidden Swarms have less to land on in towns! This is not a normal bin collection! Here's a swarm on a bin being collected!  Sometimes they land on a wall Or a gate post Or on a bridge Sometimes they're huge! This photo from a member of NSBKA was he biggest swarm (and the easiest to collect) that the experienced beekeeper called o...

There are over 250 types of bees in the UK but there is only one european honey bee (Apis mellifera).  Please see below to identify what type of bee you have and who to approach for help and information.  Our members are volunteers who can only help with honey bees.  If you feel you need to have the bees destroyed please contact a local pest controller.  Bees are endangered but they are not protected. Our beekeepers are only able to help in cases of SWARMS OF HONEY BEES. See our page of photos of honeybee swarms To support the work of the BBKA please DONATE STEP 1: Identifying honey bees If the insects are not honey bees, this part of the website shows you how to recognise other insects  and  gives some advice on what to do. Bumblebees Bumblebees are often confused with honeybees. However they are rounder, larger and furrier and come with a variety of coloured stripes across the end of their tails. Are they in a bird box, under the ...

You will find our advice here  Please action this asap to ensure we can all help the Government in the coordinated response to this invasive species. The Asian Hornet Team can arrange assistance with the identification of suspect Asian hornet sightings or leads.  The AHT training exercise is ready for members please click here The exercise needs to be completed for you to have cover for taking part in AHT activities. More information can be found about insurance on this additional Asian hornet page Legend: blue pin = AHT coordinator (Team Leader), red pin = AHT verifier (member of team} NB: Changes are made via the ER2 system not the office, please contact your membership secretary For Beekeepers: The Role Of AHT Teams document is here This AHT mapped list is manages by associations and branches. If you have any questions about being added to the map then please contact your local area association or branch.