Welcome to Somerset Beekeepers' Association!

We are a volunteer-run members' organisation and Registered Charity that represents the interests of beekeepers in the county. Founded in 1906 we educate, advise and bring together more than 850 beekeepers and raise awareness of issues affecting honeybees.
If you live in Somerset and already keep bees or intend to do so, then SBKA is the association for you! Even if you don't keep bees, you are welcome to join us and help support our work.

Asian (YELLOW LEGGED) HornetS (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) 
Asian hornet week - September 9-15, 2019
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Asian hornets look like large black wasps with a single yellow band, orange face and yellow tipped legs.
Asian hornets are a major threat to our honeybees and other pollinators. But we can stop them getting a foothold in the county. At this time of year, look out for them on flowering ivy and camellias. Asian hornets are easy to spot – they are large and appear mainly black in the air. When they land, the distinctive single orange stripe across the abdomen is very obvious. Just one missed nest means lots more next year. 
Click here to find out how you can help.​

Report a Swarm

To report a swarm of honeybees, please click on the button below, which will take you to the BBKA website where you can find beekeepers close to you who are willing to collect swarms.
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Beginners' courses

Are you interested in keeping honeybees? Or do you know someone who is? Then take a look at our 2019 Beginners' Courses.
Note that all 2019 beginners' courses (with the exception of Quantock Division) have finished. Look out for details of 2020 courses later in the year. Some Divisions are running taster days during the summer.

Join the SBKA

Primarily we exist for the benefit of our members and provide a wide range of activities and services aimed at active beekeepers and those with an interest in honeybees and apiculture.
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Enjoy practical training and education courses, talks and lectures, expertise and encouragement, insurance and much, much more!

LOCAL HONEY

Local beekeepers produce local honey! It’s usually raw (untreated), contains local pollen and is additive-free.  Honey is reputed to have a variety of health benefits and medical uses – and it tastes good, too!
Local honey is available at many independent retailers as well as at our Honey Shows.

Swarm Collection

The best way to find someone to help with a swarm is to click the link below, which will take you to the British Beekeepers’ Association website, where you can find your nearest swarm collector.

Education

Honeybees and other pollinators are having a tough time because of pests and diseases, loss of habitat and pesticides. One of our key roles is to help our members keep healthy and strong colonies.
​Read our regular newsletters by clicking the button below.

OUR GOAL

Promoting beekeeping and supporting beekeepers and honeybees in Somerset

Upcoming Events