The club apiary is primarily a teaching resource to support training and development of our members, either hands-on at the apiary or via courses etc.
Honey production is not a high priority but welcome if we get it!
The club currently has two apiary sites with colonies in national hives, 14 x 12s and a top bar hive (TBH).
We support some members with hands on experience and offer apprentice schemes enabling those enrolled to learn how to look after a hive over a full beekeepers year.
An observation hive will be made up as required through the 2021 season.
Any new beekeeper either without bees or just starting who wants to get some experience of handling bees, is welcome to come along to the apiary and perhaps join the A-team. If you are interested get in touch with the Horton Apiary manager, Jeremy Percy.
If you have not visited the apiary before, please read the KBKA Rule Book section 4 regarding Apiary Rules.
Apiary Programme 2022
The apiary will be open to club members on the following dates:
Date & Time | Open to… | Time | Further Information |
TBC | |||
*All inspections as directed by Horton Apiary Manager(s)
**Apiary visits are subject to change due to weather
Arnia Monitoring
For more details on hives being monitored on the Apiary see output graphs found here https://www.kennet-beekeepers.co.uk/index.php/arnia-monitoring/(opens in a new tab)
KBKA Apiary FAQ
If you have a question about anything you see or that is done at the club Apiary, please email the Horton Apiary Manager(s) (See Contacts page)
Q: Will I need to bring my own bee suit / veil?
A: Please bring your own suit/veil if you have one. We do have some spare jackets available for guests but these can not be guaranteed.
Long-sleeved shirt, trousers(not skin-tight), wellies and a pair of clean washing up gloves are also advisable.
Q: What is in the bucket you put the hive tools in during and at the end of the Apiary inspections?
A: To limit the risk of infection, all hive tools and gloves are rinsed in a disinfecting solution before, after and between each hive.
- 500g Washing Soda Crystals
- 1 gallon of water
- a squirt of washing-up liquid
Q: What can I do about wasps around the hive?
Q: How do I test for queenlessness?
Q: How do I get a Booker’s card?
A: Booker’s is a chain of Cash and Carry stores for trade only, but thanks to negotiations by Peter McFadden of Conway BKA members of the BBKA can shop at any Booker’s store. Each member should register individually with their local store by presenting their current BBKA membership card. You will be asked to fill in a registration form and will be able to shop straightaway with your Booker membership card being posted to you in the next 14-21 days.In particular, sugar can usually be purchased at Booker’s cheaper than other sources, which is useful if you need to buy it in any volume, as well as other items useful to beekeeping – gloves, icing sugar, etc.
Q: Who is an ‘A’ Team member?
A:
Apiary Member Name | Team Member Role | Other Info |
David Brown | Apiary Manager | Caen Hill |
Jeremy Percy | Apiary Manager | Horton |
Apiary Manager | Horton | |
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