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Welcome
Welcome to the Somerset Beekeepers' new web-site.
We've substantially increased the range of material on the site
to appeal to beekeepers of all levels of experience. If you've
visited us before, you'll still find the helpful introductory descriptions,
of how to take up beekeeping, and what makes it such a fascinating craft. We have however, substantially
increased the range of advice and guidance, in the form of 'How To...'
papers and videos in our new Knowledge Centre section.
We hope you will find these useful, whether you're a member of our association, or come from elsewhere in the UK or further afield. As ever, we'd welcome your feedback on our site, and if we manage to captivate you, we'd especially welcome you contacting us to become a member. So take some time to look around the site. Learn how the bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers. Discover how they make honey, and the part that the beekeeper plays in harvesting it, and presenting it on our breakfast table. What is propolis, and how is it used by the honey bee?
Where does beeswax come from, and how is it used by both bees and man? Look into the reasons that produce the impulse to swarm, and the steps that can be taken to prevent or control it. Examine the role played by the queen, drones and worker bees, and the fascinating inter-play in an efficient and well organised community. What effect has the Varroa mite had on modern beekeeping, and how have the wild honey bee colonies been affected?
The beehive has come a long way since the days of the straw skep, but do the modern advantages help the bees, or the beekeeper, or both? Certainly, the use of frames in which the bees can build their honeycomb, has proved beneficial to both man and insect, and has played a huge role in modernising the craft. Beekeeping is seen by many as a fascinating and relaxing hobby, but it can cover so much more, leading to scientific research, carpentery, photography, self sufficiency, conservation and and an increased awareness of nature, and the world we live in.
SBKA - Winner of Best Web-Site at Apimondia 2005
What's New
A
fascinating animation showing the structure of a National Hive
is now on the 'Tour a Hive' page HERE This
is coutesy of 'The Honey Pot'.
The SBKA website won the Gold Medal at Apimondia 2005 for the Best beekeeping Web-site. Click here to read the full story.
A facinating article called 'Journey through a Bee' about how bees process their food has recently been added to our Knowledge Centre.