BBKA History

Professor Ian Gibson PhD

Article by Tim Lovett, BBKA Past President. Read more

In Memoriam

The National Bee Centre was opened by HRH Duke of Edinburgh on 5th July 2000 Read more

Past Presidents of the BBKA

Presidents are elected for two years at the Annual Delegates Meeting. Here are some memories from our recent past presidents. Read more

BBKA History - post war changes

From the mid-1950s, the wartime boom in beekeeping went into decline until 2005 when a campaign to stop cuts in NBU inspector numbers. Further helped by the 'Smokers in Whitehall' presenting a petition with 143,000 signatures at 10 Downing Street. Read more

BBKA History - dealing with disease

BBKA Experts: Dealing with Disease Part two of a series of articles about the history of the examinations and assessments of the BBKA by David Charles, Past President Read more

BBKA History - Making of experts

BBKA History - Making of experts is an article in three parts by BBKA Past President David Charles. This short series covers the history of the examination and assessments of the BBKA. Read more

The History of the British Beekeepers’ Association

History of the BBKA from 1874 up to 2011. Read more

Latest

Army has a New Hive of Activity

Did you know that the British Army is providing much-needed homes for several species of bees, some of which are Britain's most endangered native species?
Office Staff

Members of staff based at the Stoneleigh Office.
The National Honey Show 2021

There are a number of new junior classes for the 2021 National Honey Show.
Bees Needs Week

Bees Needs Week is an annual event coordinated by Defra to raise awareness of bees and other pollinators.

Swarm removal

Beekeepers are often approached about winged, flying creatures, especially in the spring and summer period, when they are their most active simply working and are no cause for alarm. We can only help if they are honeybees.
Find beekeeping near You

Please scroll over our BBKA map to find branches and members who can help you on your way to becoming a beekeeper.
Courses and education

Our charity raises the standards of beekeeping through its exam structure
Log in information
What bee is this?

What bee is this? Pictures of the bumblebees and solitary bees often mistaken for honeybees. Easy ways to identify them.
Honeybee Swarms

A collection of photos of honeybee swarms. Some photos of beautiful honeybees in swarms. It is hoped this page will help the public recognise honeybee swarms and then use the swarm map to find a beekeeper to collect the honeybees!
How do I become a beekeeper?

How do I become a beekeeper? - Why you should join a local association? - Where can I find out about courses? - books that will help
Gardening for bees

We could all do more to plant our gardens for our hungry honeybees.
The Asian Hornet

If you suspect you have sighted an Asian Hornet please find more information here about what to do next!
Honey

Honey bees are the only insect which makes food that is harvested by humans. Honey is hailed as and used by humans as a super-food because of its rich antibacterial properties, which has helped to boost the immune systems of those who take it in its raw form for thousands of years.