burrowsnbka

Newent Beekeepers Taster Day 8th August 2026

Want to find out what beekeeping is all about?
Want to see inside a hive?
Want to learn why bees are SO VERY important?
Want to understand how not to get stung?

Come and join us for a taster day

Day will run from 10am – 2pm
Dymock Apiary- Adults £30
Children £20 – Children welcome but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
All protective equipment provided
You just need loose-fitting clothing and wellies
Discount of £20 off our 2027 beginners course in February
Tea/Coffee provided but bring your own lunch
Any questions please contact NewentBKA@gmail.com

Places are limited so please book

Or click HERE to book

Members: Swarm Collection Guidelines

If you are called on to help with collection of a swarm please consider:

Do I have the training and capability to do this?
Normally those with a basic assessment or higher qualification who have kept bees for more than 5 years are automatically qualified.
Do I have the equipment needed for this situation?
Steps, Ladders, Bee suit etc, Bee equipment (skep/nuc/hive/box/sheeting/rope or tape etc.), secateurs, loppers, means to securely transport the bees.
Do I need assistance to undertake this safely?
Will I need an assistant, can the homeowner/occupier help safely?
Are the conditions appropriate (weather/ground/surrounding risks/access restrictions/people present?)
What is the ultimate destination for the bees?
Where will their new home be? Can I transport them safely?
What are the benefits of this action?
Just the bee colony gained, or can the association receive a donation in recognition of a service performed? [The owner/occupier may be relieved to see the back of the bees and the time/energy/materials involved in their removal may be significant.]
Am I insured?
The current Insurance Policy FAQs for NBKA/BBKA members state:
[9.] I am called by a member of the public to collect bees that have swarmed – am I covered?
What happens if I charge for my services?
You are covered provided, it is part of your normal beekeeping activities. If you charge reasonable expenses to cover fuel costs then this will not affect your cover. However, if you make a business out of swarm collection this would be viewed differently. You would need normal Commercial Insurance for this business activity which is not covered by the BBKA policy.
[10.] Is there any restriction on working at height?
No. The Aviva policy does not have a specified restriction for working at height. Broadly speaking, you should not attempt any work for which you do not have adequate equipment, training or experience. The policy does not cover reckless acts, so if you are in doubt seek guidance from someone with the relevant experience or training or, preferably, use an alternate method that would avoid you having to climb to height.

Beginners Beekeeping Course 2026

We will be running a course for those interested in beekeeping. This will be of interest to the spectrum of people from those with hives who have not had training, through those keen to start keeping their own bees, to those who are not sure if beekeeping would be for them.

The course will run on Monday evenings in Newent starting at the end of February. To read more or apply to join please see our training page here.

AGM 2025 was a success

Although only a small cross-section of the membership (30%) came to our AGM we had a good meeting with important motions passed.

We managed to finish the business side by 9pm, and move on to tea, coffee, and informal chat over a tasting of various honeys.

Please see the Agenda and the material relating to the motions passed (downloadable below) if you missed the event and wish to catch up.

AGM Agenda 2025 Download

As a matter of record, we minuted acceptance of the proposal to change the timing and amount of subscriptions, also to support an initiative to research insect-venom tolerance.

Motions adopted

The motion on subscriptions passed is available for inspection here:

Motion to amend subs Download

Winter Feed Orders

The club can offer substantial discounts by coordinating a bulk order for winter feeds (Syrup / Fondant.) Please order before July 2nd to take advantage.

Tony (our Treasurer) has been able to negotiate what he thinks you will find are highly competitive quotes.
Fondant comes in 12.5kg blocks and can be used as one lump in the autumn or kept for late winter/spring use as required. The Invertbee syrup comes in 14kg plastic drums, this doesn’t ferment and can be used over the winter if needed.
The price of fondant this year is £16.55 per 12.5kg block and the Invertbee syrup is £21.62 per 14kg drum.
Please follow the link below to our Stripe payment facility to place your order, adjusting the required quantity of both syrup and fondant before completing the card payment. The closing date for orders will be Tuesday 2nd July, I shall advise on collection arrangements nearer the time.
Click here to order
Should you have any difficulty in placing your order online, please do contact Tony at tony.capener@gmail.com

Next Winter Talk will be on Thursday 27th November 2026

Richard Rickitt of BeeCraft Magazine will talk on
Bees and Trees – An Ancient Partnership.

An ancient and close relationship with trees has greatly influenced the evolution and geographic distribution of honey bees. This talk reveals how trees enabled bees to colonise the British Isles and the ways in which people living here perhaps first interacted with and exploited honey bees, eventually becoming beekeepers. The talk looks at what trees provide for bees including cavities in which to nest and various essential resources, and how the relationship can work both ways. It concludes with a look at some of the most useful UK species of trees for honey bees including those worth planting in the garden and a rundown of trees that can flower for bees in every month of the year.

The meeting starts at 7:30pm in Newent Community Centre (aka Glebe Chapel – see our Winter Talks post for details.) Please make every effort to attend I’m sure it will be worth the effort.