FDBKA Beekeeping Course 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions being placed upon us to limit its spread, we have suspended our education programme for the time being. We are keen to resume as soon as possible so please keep an eye on this page as we will update the information when we are able to. We appreciate your understanding and keep well.
Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby and the temptation of free honey is very irresistible. Whilst we will always encourage anyone interested in taking up the hobby, it can be expensive so it is only fair that you are forewarned!
- You can expect to spend around £100 to £200 on a bee suit, smoker, hive tools, gloves etc., depending upon quality, just to get started. Much more on other bits and pieces.
- A top quality Western Red Cedar full hive and supers (which should last 40+ years) as a flat pack will set you back around £400, other cheaper options such as English Cedar or Pine are available for a bit less but will not last as long (pine will need treating with a bee friendly wood preserver). A poly hive will set you back about £250 and will need painting.
- You are advised to have at least two hives going into winter which means much more kit.
- You can pay £100 - £200 for a starter colony of bees or wait for a swarm which is free (but may come with their own problems). Beekeepers are known to have short arms and deep pockets!!
National Honey Monitoring Scheme
The National
Honey Monitoring Scheme is a long-term programme set up in 2018 that will use
techniques to identify plant DNA and measure environmental contaminants, such
as pesticide residues in honey produced in the UK.
All amateur
and professional beekeepers are asked to register their interest in taking part
by emailing the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) honey@ceh.ac.uk. The viability of the
monitoring scheme will depend upon sufficient numbers of beekeepers expressing
an interest in participating.
A pilot study
identified widespread residues of neonicotinoid pesticides in honey samples
collected from BBKA members across the UK. I took part in this pilot study and
sent a sample of my honey to CEH in 2015, the analysis of which found
imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid). The location of my apiary is close to
commercial glass houses and a PYO farm, although it might have been picked up
elsewhere.
Fareham
members are therefore encouraged to volunteer for this survey by emailing the
CEH. Further details can be found on the BBKA website at https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/national-honey-monitoring-scheme and
CEH https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/national-honey-monitoring-scheme
John Hoar
