SOMERSET BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION

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.

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.

Report a Swarm

SOLD OUT! Read the comb WORKSHOP

Saturday, June 15 at Ansford Academy, Maggs Lane, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ

Kindly organised by South East Division, the cost is £5 per person with tea and coffee provided; bring your own lunch. Tickets are available online from Eventbrite: cost £5 (NO booking fee!)
Also, from the County Treasurer: send a cheque made payable to SBKA with SAE, or contact for online payment details, County Treasurer, Christina Kennedy, Allways, West Shepton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5UH
treasurer@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk

This training day is all about helping beekeepers to keep healthy bees.
It will be run by SW Regional Bee Inspector Simon Jones with our seasonal bee inspectors and former National Bee Inspector Richard Ball.
There will be an opportunity to safely handle diseased combs so we can see for ourselves what to look for when inspecting a brood box.
Topics will include:

BeeBase
Notifiable pests and diseases-recognition
Control and management of minor pests and diseases
Asian Hornet (national policy requires the Bee Inspectorate to deliver a workshop on this subject at every Bee Health Day this season)
Varroa- lifecycle, IPM and approved treatments
Apiary hygiene and barrier management

This event is kindly supported by BDI.

Asian HornetS

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 beekeepers, gardeners, conservationists and everyone living in Somerset can help stop them getting a foothold in the county.
Click here to find out how you can help.

NBU NEWS
BBKA NEWS
BBKA TWITTER

Tweets by BBKA

Beginners' courses

Are you interested in keeping honeybees? Or do you know someone who is? Then take a look at our 2019 Beginners' Courses.

Beginners' Courses Information

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.

Enjoy practical training and education courses, talks and lectures, expertise and encouragement, insurance and much, much more!

Learn More about Joining the SBKA

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.

Honey Show Calendar

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.

Report a Swarm

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.

SBKA Newsletters

OUR GOAL

Promoting beekeeping and supporting beekeepers and honeybees in Somerset