Welcome to the Exeter Branch of the Devon Beekeepers Association.The Devon Beekeepers Association is a Registered Charity (reg. no. 270675). 

  Apiary Update - 9th May 2009

Having created 3 Nucs 2 weeks ago, we were cautious not to open them and wary of handling the source colonies for fear of damaging queen cells.

This left about half a dozen colonies to inspect with around 20 attendees plus 3 enquirers it meant that the practical hands on time available was limited.

No obvious findings of concern and no clear signs of happened or pending swarming were found.

With the Apiary surrounded by oil seed rape the decision was made to add supers to give space where appropriate.

Regards

Paul

 

 

 
There are thought to be some 44,000 beekeepers in the UK who maintain around 274,000 colonies of honey bees. Of these, around 300 are commercial beekeepers who are members of the Bee Farmers' Association; they manage around 40,000 colonies. The remainder are small-scale beekeepers, many of whom are members of national and local beekeeping associations, such as the British Beekeepers' Association in England. There are around 33,000 beekeepers in England, who maintain some 230,000 colonies.

 

The Exeter branch has about 122 members and is looking forward to increasing the membership.

The branch is a voluntary organisation which recognises that a major component of its existence is to give mutual support and training for healthy and safe Honey Bee beekeeping. All this whilst encouraging hobby enjoyment, pollination of the flora, agriculture and of course the supply of honey.

The branch organise local events including honey shows, lectures, apiary meetings and classes for novices. We organise certain bulk purchase schemes such as jar purchases and an apiary from which nucleus' and queens can be purchased. Being a member of the Devon Beekeepers Association entitles the member to attend any branch meeting in the county giving the member a very wide range of activities in which to participate.

The membership is drawn mainly from the Exeter area and surrounds - north to Cullompton, south to Exmouth, east to Honiton and west to Okehampton. Membership is not restricted to any specific area but with summer meetings near Lympstone and in the winter at Broadclyst, membership tends to follow ease for attending these events.

New members are always welcome to come and see what it is all about. After two Apiary visits, we require you to become a member of the British Beekeepers Association as you need to be Insured.

Exeter Beekeepers' Association has close links with the other branches in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Members from other Branches or Associations are always welcome.