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British Beekeepers Association

@bbka.org.uk
931 followers 24 following 2.6K posts

This is the page for the British Beekeepers' Association, a national charity supporting bees and beekeepers. www.bbka.org.uk

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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 19/06/2026
Two new sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets Pluckley, Kent, Sighting - 08/06/2026 Whitfield, Dover, Kent, Nest - 13/06/2026 Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee... www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 19/06/2026
Two new sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets Pluckley, Kent, Sighting - 08/06/2026 Whitfield, Dover, Kent, Nest - 13/06/2026
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 19/06/2026
Please remember the BBKA Forum is available for a wide range of friendly chat and questions about beekeeping www.bbkaforum.co.uk
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 18/06/2026
Please be aware that some beekeepers are reporting colonies low on stores and at risk of starvation.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 18/06/2026
The July 2026 edition of BBKA News is out soon. Queens - Jane Medwell Bee Guards – Prof. Giles Budge/Dr. Celia Costa Healthy Bee Plan – Rebekah Clarkson International Meeting of Young Beekeepers – Serena Watts + regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 17/06/2026
Non-native species week runs from 22nd- 28th June. Check for details here: www.nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-d...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 16/06/2026
The next in the BBKA's monthly series of Zoom talks is: ‘The Hive in July’ with Jack Silberrad, NBU Regional Bee Inspector, tonight, Tuesday 16th June at 7pm. A Zoom link has been sent to associations for circulation to members
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 15/06/2026
29 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in England by 12.6.26. 2 new this week reported in Kent & East Sussex Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet... www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 13/06/2026
29 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in England by 12.6.26. 2 new this week reported in Kent & East Sussex Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet... www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 13/06/2026
This study provides a diagnostic screening of agrochemicals in commercially managed honey bee colonies during a time of colony loss. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 12/06/2026
Update 12.6.26 2 further credible reports of Yellow-Legged Hornet sightings Folkestone, Kent - 8 June. Robertsbridge, East Sussex - 9 June. Earlier sighting Tunbridge Wells. confirmed as a primary nest
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 12/06/2026
The BBKA's microscopy assessment closing date is the 30th June. To apply please request a link which is available from your local exam sec. Assessments will be held on the weekend of the 26/27th September. Contact sec.exams@bbka.org.uk for venue information.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 09/06/2026
The next in the BBKA's monthly series of Zoom talks is: ‘The Hive in July’ with Jack Silberrad, NBU Regional Bee Inspector, on Tuesday 16th June at 7pm. A Zoom link has been sent to associations for circulation to members
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 08/06/2026
27 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in England by 5.6.26. 3 new last week reported in Kent & East Sussex Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet... www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 06/06/2026
27 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in England by 5.6.26. 3 new this week reported in Kent & East Sussex Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet... www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 05/06/2026
Update 5.6.26 3 further credible reports of Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH) sightings this week. Tunbridge Wells, Kent - 29 May Ashford, Kent - 31 May. Brighton and Hove, East Sussex - 1 June
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 31/05/2026
25 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets confirmed in England by 15.5.26, 5 new this week reported in Kent, East Sussex & Southampton Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/.../yellow-l.... www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 29/05/2026
NBU update 29.5.26 5 further credible reports of Yellow-Legged Asian hornets Shirley, Southampton - 22 May New Romney, Kent - 22 May Charing, Ashford, Kent - 24 May Two sightings, Rother, East Sussex.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 26/05/2026
The BBKA recently released its revised short information video about yellow-legged Asian hornets. Please share this as widely as possible to help control this non-native invasive species which threatens UK pollinators.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 25/05/2026
19 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in the England by 15.5.26, 1 new this week reported in Maidstone, Kent Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee... www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 22/05/2026
One further report of a Yellow-Legged Hornet on 17 May - Maidstone, Kent. The hornet will be collected and sent to Fera Science Limited. NBU are not planning to take any further action but you may wish to encourage the local Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet teams to monitor.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 21/05/2026
The June 2026 edition of BBKA News is out soon. Schools Project – Lucie Chaumenton Dead Outs – Ray Baxter Yellow-legged Asian hornets – Andrew Durham June Insights – Jane Medwell + regulars, features, news, apiary tips, letters, puzzle & recipes
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 21/05/2026
This study by the University of Plymouth wants to study free-living colonies in this part of the country more generally, and engage beekeepers and the general public in honey bee research. www.freebeesouthwest.co.uk
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 20/05/2026
Happy World Bee Day 🐝
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 19/05/2026
BBKA May Zoom Talk The next Zoom talks is: ‘Practical Swarm Collection’ by Gerry Stuart, tonight, Tuesday 19 May at 7pm. Zoom link and further details have been sent to associations for circulation. Available on BBKA YouTube channel shortly afterwards.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 18/05/2026
This study provides critical evidence to strengthen current honey bee biosecurity surveillance protocols and underscores the need for adoption of the most sensitive, standardized, cost-effective Tropilaelaps detection methods. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 17/05/2026
The next BBKA monthly Zoom talks is: ‘Practical Swarm Collection’ by Gerry Stuart on Tuesday 19th May at 7pm. Zoom link already sent to associations for circulation to members A recording of this talk will be available on the BBKA Member Hub afterwards for those unable to watch live
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 16/05/2026
18 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in the England by 15.5.26, 1 new this week reported in Dorset Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee... www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 15/05/2026
One further report of a Yellow-Legged Hornet on 10th May - Lytchett Minster and Upton, Dorset. A report, previously shared on 1st May 2026, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire has also been reclassified as the first embryo nest of 2026.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 14/05/2026
European Roadmap to control Invasive Hornets published 8e8ea45e-d3b1-4c0f-8009-56b8df6908d2.usrfiles.com/ugd/8e8ea4_e...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 14/05/2026
Congratulations to those who are receiving BBKA module exam results. If you did less well than you hoped the study alone will have improved your knowledge and there are opportunities to retake.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 12/05/2026
The BBKA/England team for the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB), recently met for training prior to the event between July 4th - 8th 2026 in Northern Ireland. Good luck to Harry, Collette & Thomas. Thanks to all involved. Details: imyb-ni26.com
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 12/05/2026
BBKA May Zoom Talk The next Zoom talks is: ‘Practical Swarm Collection’ by Gerry Stuart on Tuesday 19 May at 7pm. Gerry is a member of Torbay Beekeepers. Zoom link and further details have been sent to associations for circulation. Available on BBKA YouTube channel shortly afterwards.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 12/05/2026
Oil seed rape can be a tricky honey crop. Its tendency to granulate rapidly in combs even before capping makes a refractometer a useful tool to test moisture levels. Once supers removed from colonies extraction the same day is suggested
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 11/05/2026
A multidimensional approach to Tropilaelaps mite prevention, early detection and rapid responses upon introduction www.ars.usda.gov/research/pro... Photo copyright ©️ APHA
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 09/05/2026
Thining queen cells to one may need to occur more than once as more can be built leading to unexpected cast swarms. Look carefully for small cells that can be easily hidden under bees or in hidden corners
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 09/05/2026
17 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in the England by 8.5.26 4 this week have been reported in Kent Please remain vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee... www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 08/05/2026
4 further credible reports of Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH). 30 April - Leigh Green, Kent. 1 May - Coldred, Kent. 3 May - Densole, Kent. 4th May - Folkestone, Kent. Specimens will be collected and sent to Fera Science Limited.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 08/05/2026
The winner’s name will remain a secret until the award ceremony, which will take place on in Maribor on World Bee Day, Wednesday, 20 May 2026. www.gov.si/en/news/2026...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 08/05/2026
An early season full brood disease inspection can be helpful in assessing colony health. This older BBKA laminate goes over the process.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 07/05/2026
Colonies making swarm preparations often raise multiple queen cells and the recommendation is to leave only one. Ideally an open cell where the larva can be seen. What criteria do you use when choosing?
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 06/05/2026
Weather forecasts for the next couple of weeks are looking unsettled and cooler than average. How is this affecting your beekeeping?
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 05/05/2026
The BBKA Forum is available for a wide range of friendly chat and questions about beekeeping www.bbkaforum.co.uk
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 04/05/2026
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 03/05/2026
There have been 13 yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings in England so far this year, including 1 embryo nest. The distribution of sightings has included more northerly areas Please be vigilant and report all sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app Details: www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/bee...
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 02/05/2026
Yellow-legged Asian hornet starting an embryo nest in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Please remain vigilant Report sightings with a photo using the Asian Hornet Watch app Photo copyright: K. Ruane
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 01/05/2026
5 further credible reports of yellow-legged Asian hornets 26 April - Chesterfield, Derbyshire - embryo nest 27th April - Southampton, Hampshire. 27th April - Repton, South Derbyshire. 27 April - Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire. 28 April - Southampton, Hampshire.
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 30/04/2026
How advanced is your swarm management so far this season? What is the extent of swarming in your area?
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 30/04/2026
The closing date for the following BBKA assessments is today Thursday 30 April: Basic assessment Junior assessment Honey bee health assessment Details: memberhub.bbka.org.uk Please apply by asking your local association's exam secretary for a link
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British Beekeepers Association @bbka.org.uk · 29/04/2026
Public awareness, correct identification & reporting remain vital to management of yellow-legged Asian hornets. BBKA YLH teams monitoring & supporting the National Bee Unit can make a difference. The Pest control industry may also play an important role in the future
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