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SomerSet beekeepers' association
Est. 1906
Supporting Somerset's honey bees and beekeepers
Yellow-legged asian hornets
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A record number of Asian hornets (Vespa veluntina nigrithorax) have been found in the UK this year - more nests have been found than in the previous six years combined. Two nests were in Devon.
If they get established in the UK, they could decimate our pollinators, including honey bees. Please report sightings immediately via the Asian Hornet Watch app on Android and iPhone or the online form. |
Join Somerset BKA
If you are a member of another association or are from overseas and would like to support Somerset BKA, then you can become a County Associate Member (which will provide membership until December 2023 for payments made after 1 September 2022). It will give you access to lecture recordings as well as to our events and newsletter.
Online lecture series
Our online lectures are free and help to increase your knowledge of beekeeping practice and learn about the latest honey bee research. Catch up on previous talks which are available for members to watch.
Richard Noel, a beekeeper in France, talks about coping with Asian hornets Brittany beekeeper Richard Noel shares his thoughts and management strategies after dealing with a very intensive and hard 'surge year'. He reviews what works - and what doesn't - and the impact Asian hornets are having on the bees and his business. 7pm Thursday, 16 November, 2023 Tickets from Eventbrite |
Wonderful Things about Bees a talk by Prof Robert Pickard
We are delighted that Robert Pickard will be giving our headline talk at the start of the festive season. Discover why honey bees challenge us to reassess our concepts of individual responsibility, emotion, empathy, intelligence and mind. And much more! 7pm Thursday, 7 December, 2023 Tickets from Eventbrite |
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South West Asian hornet conference
6 January, 2024 In the South West we are on the frontline in terms of possible Asian hornet incursions and establishment. This conference is an opportunity for Asian Hornet Team members and representatives of organisations who may be impacted by the establishment of AH in the area, to come together, be prepared and find useful ways of working together. The Canalside Conference Centre, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ Cost: £10 to cover teas and coffees Tickets from Eventbrite |
save the date! 2024 Lecture day on 10 february
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Our 2024 Lecture Day is taking shape! We're putting together a programme of speakers, workshops and a trade hall all in a comfortable, purpose-built conference centre with ample parking and refreshments at The Canalside, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6LQ
Speakers: Professor Stephen Martin: Understand the evolution of natural Varroa-tolerance mechanisms in various beekeeping populations Professor Juliet Osborne: Bees and how we care for them Gerry Collins NDB: Catch it if you can and Beekeeping techniques for the better beekeeper More information to follow shortly. |
Beginners' courses
Are you interested in keeping honey bees? Or do you know someone who is? Then take a look at our Beginners' Courses. |
Join Somerset BKAPrimarily 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 honey bees and apiculture.
Enjoy practical training and education courses, talks and lectures, expertise and encouragement, insurance and much, much more! |
LOCAL HONEYLocal 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 directly from our members, also at many independent retailers as well as at our Honey Shows. |
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OUR GOALPromoting beekeeping and supporting beekeepers and honey bees in Somerset |
