The Role of BBKA Associations and Beekeepers concerning Asian Hornets The BBKA are asking every Association to select teams of 15 members to work with a co-ordinator to help identify the hornets. This team will assist with local requests for help in identifying Asian Hornets. It is vital that all Beekeepers can identify Asian Hornets. Each branch or group can establish their own team so that individuals will not be asked to travel vast distances. They should establish a good communication network between each other, so that the nearest team member can answer a call about a potential siting and call for back up if necessary. To qualify for insurance you must undertake this exercise  Asian Hornet Team Exercise What Does the Team do? Form a communication network of people confident in identifying what could be an Asian Hornet. Know how to report a suspected hornet Distribute identifying literature  and inform individuals, businesses, markets gardeners etc in ...

Environmental Science and BEES Bees have been around for about 27 million years. They can be very good at protecting themselves against predators using their sting. They can however be killed with chemicals which farmers sometimes use to keep their crops pest and disease free. This topic first covers the basic principles of sexual reproduction in plants. It stresses the importance of thorough pollination for good fruit production. It explains why bees are so very important as  pollinators of many of our crops, and touches on the threats to our bee population. Children at Key Stage 1 should be able to pick up the idea that bees move pollen around and that this helps fruit to form but at Key Stage 2 they will be able to appreciate the mechanism properly In the first instance the ovaries are the most important part. Flowers with developing ovaries are very useful to show the seeds forming (using magnifying glasses). Apple, cherry, strawberry, peas, beans, oil seed rape and wallflo...

Honey Bee Health Certificate A practical assessment suitable for members who wish to advance beyond their Basic Assessment A new assessment available from 2018 to help beekeepers who have already passed their Basic Assessment acquire some of the skills needed at the General Husbandry level. Aims To encourage beekeepers who have been awarded the BBKA Basic Certificate and have at least three years of beekeeping experience to improve their understanding and practice of beekeeping. The Candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of beekeeping skills.   Application To apply for the assessment, please contact your local Exam Secretary. They will be able to email you a link to the application form. You can use this to apply and pay online. You will get a receipt by email to confirm we have your application. If you are not sure how to contact your local exam secretary then check with your local association. Independent members can contact the BBKA office to receiv...

Vespa velutina, sometimes known as the 'Asian hornet' is an invasive non-native species from Asia. If you find one you MUST report it. It arrived in France in 2004 and has spread rapidly. As a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, it can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems It is expected that the places it is most likely to be found in numbers are in southern parts of England (it may be able to cross the channel from France) or in goods among which it could be accidentally imported (such as soil with imported pot plants, cut flowers, fruit and timber).  Active between April and November (peak August/September). Three Easy Steps 1. Does it look very black? 2. Has it got a wide orange stripe on 4th segment of abdomen?  3. Do its legs look as if they have been dipped in yellow paint? Animal & Plant Health Agency have put together a short film to help you id...