Identifying Asian Hornet Become a citizen scientist and learn how to identify this invasive species that is a threat to UK honeybees Expand National Bee Unit identification poster These resources can be ordered direct from the NBU office by contacting [email protected] - but to save time and money you can also download the files above and print them yourselves PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ASIAN HORNET IDETIFICATION APP HERE FOR FREE
Mythbusters and FAQs post 1 Replace this with your content Expand Do bees sting? How much honey does a hive produce?How many bees typically live in a hive?etc.
How to make an Asian Hornet Trap Expand DEFRA is recommending monitoring traps in all areas of the Country even where there is no Asian hornet incursion known of at present. Once an Asian hornet has been positively identified in an area then kill traps should be used. This is in the expectation that if Asian hornets are in the area then they will be trapped and identified. The by-catch in these traps will be small compared to the damage caused by the Asian hornets if the nests are not found. Any suspected Asian Hornets should be photographed and the pictures sent to [email protected] Download the full monitoring trap PDF here
Bee produce (yes honey bees make all sorts of wonderful things as well as honey) Expand Beeswax Made from the honeycomb of the honeybee, beeswax is the purest and most natural of all waxes. For each pound of beeswax provided by a honey bee, the bee visits over 30 million flowers. To produce one pound of wax requires the bees to consume about eight to ten pounds of honey. They secrete the beeswax from the underside of their abdomens, and then use the wax to construct a honeycomb. The youngest bees cluster in large numbers to raise their body temperature. Wax-producing glands under their abdomens slowly secrete slivers of wax about the size of a pinhead. Other worker bees harvest these wax scales and take them to the part of the hive requiring the new wax. Bees use about 6 lb of honey to produce 1 lb of wax. Bee bread 'Edible grade' pollen or 'bee bread' is a mixture of plant pollen and honey, which bees mould into granules and store in their honeycombs. Plant pollen can make you sneeze and have a runny nose and eyes if you are allergic to it, but people eat bee bread to help try and stop this. Many Olympic athletes eat bee bread in a bid to strengthen their immune system, increases oxygen intake, boosts performance and helps them recover quicker after training. Mead Before people discovered how to brew beer and make wine, they fermented honey with water and yeast to make the first alcoholic drink - mead. Some people call it the 'Nectar of the Gods'. Others think it tasted like cough mixture, which may have to do with the honeys healing properties. Propolis Propolis or bee glue is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with exudate gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. Propolis is used for small gaps, while larger spaces are usually filled with beeswax. Its colour varies depending on its botanical source, the most common being dark brown. Propolis is sticky at, and above, room temperature. At lower temperatures, it becomes hard and very brittle. Propolis also has great medicinal qualities and can be added to alcohol to make tinctures to treat various ailments. Royal Jelly Royal jelly is the food fed to queen bee larvae. It is a creamy white colour and is very rich in proteins and fatty acids. It is produced by the mouth glands in young bees. Each queen needs only a teaspoon of royal jelly to thrive.
Bumblebees Expand Bumblebees Bumblebees, or as the Victorian’s called them ‘Humble bees’, are similar to wasps in that only the queen hibernates and survives the winter. In the spring the queen bumblebee seeks an old mouse- or vole- hole and builds within it a nest of leaves and moss. She constructs nodular wax cells and incubates her young as a bird would. As her first offspring hatch and begin to fly the queen increasingly stays within the hive to produce young. Bumblebees do make a small amount of honey and store it in one special cup like cell. There is no more than a tablespoon at any time. The typical maximum population of a bumblebee colony is tiny, compared to the honey bee, being between 50 and
Wasps Expand Wasps Wasps begin life in the spring with a single queen wasp that has hibernated under leaves or in cracks. The queen wasp builds a new hive constructed from paper and about the size of a golf ball. This hive (or bice) builds up through the summer, but no honey is stored. In the autumn the colony organization breaks down, with homeless wasps becoming an increasing nuisance around bins and rubbish. The typical maximum population of a wasp colony is just 2,000.
Diane Roberts - Press Officer Please contact our Press officer Diane Roberts with any press enquiries and for comments Expand Email here or call 07841 625 797
GUIDENCE TO SHOW SECRETARIES ON HONEY SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS Expand If Honey Shows are to run smoothly without disputes and protests then the Show Secretary must provide both exhibitors and the judge with a clear set of Rules and Regulations. The BBKA Advisory Leaflet No 22, titled Show Rules (Revised 2016) is a good starting point The BBKA Leaflet is all-embracing and for a Local Honey Show perhaps too comprehensive. However, by making reference to it in the Show Schedule with a phrase such as “BBKA Show Rules (2016) apply unless amended by the following:” will provide most of the information for the exhibitors to prepare their exhibits. The following suggested clauses for Show Schedules which are relevant to the efficient administration of the show and handling of the exhibits. These clauses should be tailored to meet individual show requirements. In addition, there will be a need to advise exhibitors of changes to the BBKA Rules to properly define what is ‘custom and practice’ at the local show and to be more specific on the presentation of exhibits in certain classes. Some Suggested Clauses for Show Schedules:- 1) This Show is held in accordance with the Show Rules (2016) of the British Beekeeping Association and Exhibitors are bound by them. 2) Entries must be made on the form provided with the appropriate fees and reach the Entries Secretary on or before ……….. 3) The entry fee per class is ……….. 4) In Shows which charge admission fees Exhibitors paying …….in entry fees will be sent a free Admission Pass. (Each entry in a Gift Class will be regarded as being equivalent to ……… for this purpose. 5) Acknowledgement of entries will not be made, but show labels, passes etc. will be sent to the Exhibitor at least 7 days prior to the show. 6) Delivery and staging. All exhibits must be delivered to the Show by…………on………. Exhibits sent via third party must be sent to arrive by the stated date/time, and arrangements made for their collection at the end of the Show. Unless otherwise stated, all exhibits will be staged by Committee Members or Stewards. 7) Judging will commence at ……… on……… 8) No exhibit or any part thereof shall be removed until………on the final day of the Show and only when authorised to by a member of the Show Executive. 9) Lighting or power points will be available to exhibitors in class(es)…………provided notice has been given on the entry form. 10) No honey may be sold or otherwise displayed without permission of the shoe authorities. 11) For cups and special prizes, points will be awarded as follows:- First: 6 Second: 5 Third: 4 Reserve, Fourth or VHC: 3 HC: 2 C: 1 12) The show will be open to the public and exhibitors at ……… 13) Challenge cups and Trophies won the previous year should be cleaned and delivered by hand to the Show Executive on ………… 14) In many shows Novice Classes are introduced to encourage newcomers to showing to exhibit. If the term ‘Novice’ is not defined in the show rules Exhibitors will be unsure if they are eligible to enter. a) The BBKA Show Rules (2016) do not give a definition of a Novice as that this would be too prescriptive when set against the variation in the standards of exhibitors at the different levels of honey show across the country and the aims of the show committees. b) The following definitions are being used at shows and the Show Secretary should select the definition which meets the aims and standard appropriate to their show:- “A Novice is an Exhibitor who has never won a First prize or trophy at any Honey show.” “A Novice is an Exhibitor who has never won a First prize at a local association/branch members show” “A Novice is an Exhibitor who has never won a First prize at a County Honey Show” “A Novice is an Exhibitor who has not won more than three First Prizes at any Honey show” “A Novice is an Exhibitor who has not won more than three prize cards (1st 2nd or 3rd ) for honey/beeswax in open classes at a County Honey show” Every eventuality cannot be covered, but here are a few aspects for the Show Secretary to consider: Labels The purpose of the label is to give a coded identity to an exhibit. The BBKA Rules are quite specific in where the label is to be placed on the various classes and, in particular, for jars a dimension of 2cm from the base of the jar to the bottom edge of the label. Apart from the fact that the judge needs an unimpeded view across the inside bottom of the jar the dimension is not critical. However, for presentation reasons labels at the same height on the jars create an orderly and efficient impression to the public. Jars The different types of the jar and lids in the BBKA Rules are to cover both the jar classes and the display and commercial classes. It is recommended that where a show only has jar classes the schedule specifies what is required with a form of words as follows: “Extracted honey must be exhibited in clear 454g(1lb) squat glass jars with gold lacquered screw or twist off lids with flowed-in plastic seals. Where a class requires more than one item of the same type, the jars, lids and their contents must be matching in all respects.” Sections Square sections (approximate weight 454g(1lb)) are a rarity and round sections (approximate weight 227g(8oz)) are becoming more common, if both types are to be allowed in the same class then this should be stated but a weight requirement should not be given. Cut Comb Honey It is usual for the schedule to call for a container (or two containers) of cut comb and then define the weight. The most common size of container in use is 227gm(8oz)and therefore what would be expected from the exhibitor is: “Container(s) filled with cut comb to satisfy a minimum gross weight of 227gm(8oz)”. Some shows ask for a higher weight which is unreasonable in an 8oz container. If the exhibitor has very thick unwired comb which would meet the higher weight then the underside of the lid could rest on the cappings and these may become detached when the lid is removed. On the other hand, to meet the higher weight using a standard comb thickness, there will be a temptation to use cut comb which is undrained. Wax The BBKA rules specify wax blocks to be displayed in a plastic bag or a show case. Although the plastic bag introduces anonymity, a show case will keep out fingernails from damaging the surface! One label must be affixed to the wax top visible surface and a duplicate on the show case lid. It is usual to give a weight requirement for the beeswax block and there should also be a corresponding minimum thickness requirement:- ”One beeswax block minimum weight 454g(1lb)and at least 25mm thick”. Other possibilities would be:-e.g.“340g(12oz) and at least 15mm thick” or “- 227g(8oz) and at least 10mm thick”. Alternatively the weight requirement could be as a band, e.g. 400-500g, 325-375g and 200-250g respectively. Cakes and Confectionery. If a recipe has not been given in the Schedule then the Class instructions should ask the exhibitor to provide one. The judge needs to know the honey content and also if sugar is used in the recipe as this makes an easier cake to produce. Photographic Classes The BBKA Rules do not cover these classes, it is advisable to put something in the schedule to stop the same exhibit being used each year and to state how the exhibits are to be mounted to provide them with protection and for presentational reasons. A form of words could be: “All exhibits must have been taken, but not necessarily processed, by the exhibitor. The subject should be connected with beekeeping. Transparencies must fit in a 50mm x 50mm(2in x 2in) standard mount, glass mounts recommended. Colour or black/white prints/images must be mounted on card of any colour, maximum size of mount 250mm x200mm(10in x 8in). A title is to be positioned centrally below the print. Transparencies and prints previously entered at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Honey Show, whether prize winners or not, may not be entered in the same class.”
Suzanne Bennett - Spring Convention, Shows, Governance and Communications Committees Expand Suzanne Bennett - elected at January 2018 ADM for 3 year term It’s funny how often in life it’s a number of things that contribute to a decision. For me, getting into beekeeping was a combination of: donning all the garb to join an inspection at a friend’s apiary...buying some local honey and hearing that it has natural properties which help guard against infections...and my son having asthma, and spending a fortune on bought local honey to alleviate his symptoms. Then when a friend said she was doing the Introductory Course, we did it together – in 2011. A few months later we got a swarm and we were beekeepers. As for my greatest work achievement, there are lots of ways to measure success. From a personal satisfaction point of view, mine would still have to be negotiating a sabbatical year from the civil service to teach english as a foreign language in Japan in 1991-2. I took my certificate over with me and found a job, lived with Japanese people and taught business men and women around Tokyo and Yokohama. It was a stunning cultural experience and taught me that people’s beliefs and values can be very different from ours – not right, not wrong, just different. Email here
Diane Drinkwater - Chair of Communications Committee Expand Diane Drinkwater elected ADM January 2019 for 3 year term I have been beekeeping since the summer of 2012. I started because my neighbour took me to an apiary session as she was thinking of keeping bees. I thought I would stand at the back and just watch but soon found myself suited up. I then watched as a frame of bees was handed round and thought I could hide at the back. I was handed a frame of bees and at that moment knew that I had to have my own honey bees! Within a few weeks I had a hive and a nucleus of bees ordered. I've since then taken most of the modules with just number eight to take now. I enjoy learning about bees and passing on my knowledge and experience to new beekeepers. I am secretary of Medlock bees - a relatively new branch of Lancashire and NW BKA. I run my own business and work from home which allows me the flexibility to enjoy my hobbies. Email here
Gareth Morgan - Education & Husbandry Committee, Governance Committee and Research Committee Expand Gareth Morgan - elected Jan 2018 ADM for second 3 year term I currently run my own successful business after a career as a professional trumpet player, and read, some ten years ago, about CCD in the US from a Sunday newspaper. This sparked my interest in beekeeping to where I am now. Like most of us who started beekeeping later on in life, I wish I had started years before as they are fascinating insects and there is so much to learn.I decided to become a Trustee after being asked by my Association in Surrey, where I am Chairman of the Wimbledon Division. I currently sit on the EC, Finance,, Governance, Education & Husbandry and Research committees.I am passionate about education in beekeeping as knowing what the bees ‘are and do’ is the way forward to becoming better beekeepers and looking after this precious species. Email here
Anne Rowberry - Vice Chair, sits on Governance, Research, Education, HR and BBKA News Committees Expand Anne Rowberry -Vice Chair I am committed to developing beekeeping and improving bee husbandry; I give lectures and practical demonstrations to other Associations, belonging to Avon myself. I believe strongly in getting young people involved in learning about bees and beekeeping and in encouraging an understanding of these wonderful creatures. Since taking early retirement, after a career in teaching and charity work overseas, I am able to further pursue my interests in bees and in Chelonia. Email here
Howard Pool - Finance, and Research Committees Expand Howard Pool - elected January 2018 ADM for second 3 year term Married with 4 grown children, it was my granddaughter who re-sparked my interest in beekeeping. I joined the introduction to beekeeping course run by the High Wycombe branch of the BBKA in 2013, and have kept my own bees since March 2014. Throughout my working life till subsequent retirement in 2006 I was responsible for the running and change management of a number of companies both in the UK and overseas. I became a trustee of the BBKA at the January 2015 ADM. Since that period we have worked hard to generate improved reporting, control, simplicity, and transparency within the finance area. 2017 showed the first surplus in the account for 4 years - and a modest improvement on budget commitments. Email here
How far can honey bees fly? Expand A honey bee will not fly much higher than the height of any obstacle in its path. The bee will learn to fly straight out from its colony at high speed and will be most surprised if it strikes an new obstacle, such as you standing in the way. It may lash out and you will receive a sting, so be careful when walking close to the front of a busy beehive. Mating drones will fly up to 30 metres above ground to find a queen, and can go much higher if warm rising thermal air carries them.
Mating drones will fly up to 30 metres above ground to find a queen, and can go much higher if warm rising thermal air carries them.
Pam Hunter - Chair of Research and T&E Expand Pam Hunter - elected January 2018 ADM for 3 year term Pam has been keeping bees for over 25 years and is a Master Beekeepers. She is also a member of BIBBA and the Central Association of Bee-Keepers. Pam's background is in biological sciences. She was employed in microbiological research in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years before becoming a freelance consultant and writer. Until recently Pam was Chair of the BBKA Examinations Board. Contact here
Stephen Barnes - Chair of Governance & Chair of HR Expand Stephen Barnes My first contact with honey bees was 55 years ago when my father swapped pheasant rearing for bee keeping. I helped him from time to time and went with him to conferences at Newton Rigg College. My father tolerated angry bees in the belief they were more productive and that rather put me off. I studied farm management at Harper Adams and spent 11 years in Tropical Agriculture in Papua New Guinea. On returning to the UK I became involved in the world of logistics eventually joining a logistics training company based in Carlisle. My father passed away in 1997 and after lot of thought I decided to take up the hobby. My father’s bees were still angry and I nearly gave up. Fellow beekeepers encouraged me to stay and with a bit of re-queening and selective queen rearing I now have bees that are pleasant to work with and bees are now my main interest. After 10 years as Cumbria delegate I decided to stop throwing brickbats and start catching them. Email here
Margaret Wilson - Chair and Chair of Finance Expand Margaret Wilson - elected January 2019 ADM for a second 3 year term I got into beekeeping by attending a training course on what I thought was an endangered species, the Honey Bee, it was held in a barn on a farm where there was absolutely no heating at all and we were warned to attend in warm clothing. We were provided with a hot drink mid-morning but continued to shiver, by lunch time I decided that something must be done, so I went to the car and got two blankets. After a lunch of hot soup and a sandwich, we sat in our chairs, muffled up with clothing and then wrapped the blankets round us to try to keep warm. I have to say, after that year all training courses were in centrally heated accommodation. My biggest work achievement has been building up a security business from nothing into a multi million pound company that is still growing. My experience and business skills have been very useful to me whilst serving as a trustee. Email here
Margaret Murdin, NDB - President Expand PRESIDENT Margaret Murdin has been keeping bees for about 15 years and a trustee of the BBKA for the last 7 years, Chair last year and is currently the President of the BBKA Trustees. Margaret has been a member of the Exam Board and is currently Assistant Moderator for the written exams. Margaret is a BBKA Assessor for the Basic, General and Advanced Husbandry Assessments and writes, moderates and marks the written papers. She is also a tutor for Correspondence Courses. Previously Margaret was the Principal of a large further and higher education college in the North West of England, and retains a particular interest in education. Email here