Medway Beekeepers Association - MBKA

20/05/2026

It's that time of year when all the bees are out and about. So it's important to know what to do, depending on the type of bee, when they start nesting, settling and being a nuisance in your garden or wall.
This link will help identify them: https://www.bbka.org.uk/identification?srsltid=AfmBOoqsu5d1SxXbhwgapUGl5iNyM_8cYnWzXawexrDho7n5Mg_ALwn3

If you think they are honeybees you can either send us a message or find a local swarm collector here:
https://www.bbka.org.uk/find-a-local-swarm-collector

23/04/2026

Check out our new website:
www.medwaybka.co.uk

04/04/2026

The weather has made it tricky to find opportunities to check colonies.
However, the annual spring build-up seems well underway.
Early swarming is already being reported in some areas.
Adding space is a key part of swarm prevention.
Watch out for clues colonies need more space.

16/03/2026

27/02/2026

Thank you for your responses to the earlier post about winter losses.
Please remember the BBKA's Winter Survival Survey, in conjunction with COLOSS, will be circulated later in the year.
It will include losses up to the end of March.

Meantime this National Bee Unit information may be of use:
https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/3_Resources_for_beekeepers/articles_reports/WBKA/How_to_Conduct_a_Postmortem_on_a_Dead_Hive.pdf

24/02/2026

22/02/2026

Yellow-legged Asian hornets (YLH) first arrived in the UK in 2016.

Sightings have increased significantly since 2023.

Public, beekeepers and Government aim is eradication.

Detecting spring queens is a key step.

This weekend temperature have reached above 12°C for several days. This can be a trigger for YLH queens to emerge from hibernation.

Please help, stay vigilant.

24/01/2026

A message from West Sussex BKA

Dear Fellow Beekeepers

A reminder that our West Sussex BKA Convention is next month. There is still time to book for this event.
The venue is again Lodge Hill, Watersfield, Pulborough, RH20 1LZ on Saturday 28th February.
Speakers include Professor Giles Budge on Chronic Bee Paralysis; Professor Patricia Wiltshire on Forensic Palynology and the use of pollen, spores and other microscopic entities in criminal investigation; and Dr Ben Woodcock on The Effect of Pesticides on Bees.
Full details are on the WSBKA website where a Booking Form can be downloaded: www.westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk/convention.html

Following our Convention, the Annual Bee Market and Auction is on Saturday 25th April at Chichester College’s Brinsbury Campus, North Heath, Pulborough, RH20 1DL.
We are expecting a bumper event with our first 120 Lots already registered for sale. Entry and parking is free. Full details on the website www.westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk/auction.html and anyone wishing to register Lots for sale has until 15th April, but it is expected that we will be full before then.

Many thanks.

Graham
Secretary West Sussex Beekeepers Association
www.westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk

A one day Beekeeping Convention is held annually at the beginning of the year.  It is intended to suit all abilities and as well as the main lectures there is a choice of seminars to attend.

09/01/2026

Happy New Year !!!

Just a reminder: we are hosting a Taster Day on the 7th February and Introduction to Beekeeping starts on the 28th April (see the pinned posts).

Please do sign up or share the details with anyone that may be interested.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas everyone and may you have wonderful and successful Beekeeping New Year !!