Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association

The Hampshire Beekeepers Association (HBA) was established in 1883, along with the Isle of Wight Beekeepers Association (IWBKA). Initially, they were a joint association, known as H&IWBKA. Later, the Isle of Wight became a separate association. HBA is one of the largest associations in the country and has been operating for 141 years.

HBA Library Services

The HBA library, established in 1884, is a valuable resource for HBA members who want to learn more about beekeeping. It contains thousands of books on various aspects of this fascinating hobby.

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HBA Honey Show & Convention

Being a HBA member, you can attend various events such as the Hampshire County Honey Show and Convention, Bee Health Day, Winter Talks and others.

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HBA Members Area

Being an HBA member grants you full access to the members’ area, which is password protected. There, you can enjoy exclusive promotions and discounts, as well as learning and best practice resources.

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County Events

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Local Associations

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Membership

Membership Includes

Bee Disease Insurance

Local Beekeeping Associations

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Associations

New beekeepers can join one of the fourteen local associations in Hampshire, which offer various benefits and opportunities. These include apiary training days, support for BBKA Exams and Modules, and social events such as BBQs and Christmas Dinners. By joining an association, you become part of a support network that will help you throughout your beekeeping journey.

The History Of HBA

Founded 141 years ago, Hampshire is one of the largest beekeeping associations in the country. Discover more about Hampshire Beekeepers Associations.

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Beginners Courses

Whether you want to become a beekeeper or simply learn more about honeybees, you can join one of the beginner’s courses offered by our 14 local associations near you.

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Improvers Courses

If you are a Hampshire Beekeeper and you want to improve your skills, you can check out the local associations that offer courses for improvers.

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BBKA Modules & Exams

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beekeeper, the BBKA can help you enhance your knowledge and skills with various modules and courses. Enjoy the benefits of this rewarding hobby.

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Yellow Legged (Asian) Hornet

The Yellow Legged (Asian) Hornet (aka Vespa Velutina) is a threat to the UK. This page will help you recognize them, report them and safeguard yourself and your honeybees. You will also find public resources and general information here.

Online Reporting
Learn more.

Image ShutterStock

Credit: Picture from Bayer @ researchbayer.com 

Varroa Mite

The Varroa Destructor Mite is a common pest that affects many bee colonies in the United Kingdom. You can protect your bees from this threat by following an Integrated Pest Management Plan. Learn how to implement this plan and keep your colonies healthy.

NBU Record →
Learn more.

BBKA News

  • Pre-Visit Information
    Your day with the BBKA will be led by a qualified teacher and an experienced beekeeper.  All our staff and volunteers have been DBS checked. Important Pre-Visit Information 1.  Numbers:  We can accommodate one class at a time; maximum 32 children. 2.   Ratios:  Please have the appropriate ratio of adults […]
  • Swarm Talk
    Tuesday 23rd April 2024  7.00pm – 9.00pm The BBKA are pleased to invite members to attend a BBKA zoom event on swarming.  Confirmed speakers are: Jane Medwell, BBKA Trustee:  Essentials of Swarm Control Ian Campbell, BBKA Social Media Manager: The Social Media Side of Swarming Tim Wylie, the apiarist atelier:  […]

The Apiarist

  • The size of a hive
    How does the egg laying rate of the queen and the longevity of workers influence colony size, and why is the statement that 'workers live for 6 weeks' wrong?
  • All change
    Spring has sprung. Everything is a bit earlier and a lot wetter than last year. Colonies are looking good and the OSR is starting to flower. Some thoughts of spring 'dead outs', moving hives, phenology and copyright.

NBU News

  • Asian Hornet – April Update
    At the beginning of April, the NBU began spring trapping in areas identified as high risk. Traps have been set at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire to monitor for signs of Asian hornet activity. On the 13th of April, a single hornet was caught in one […]
  • Fact sheet update: Estimating Varroa populations
    We have updated our fact sheet entitled ‘Estimating Varroa mite populations’. This document details three step-by-step methods for monitoring Varroa mites in hives; counting the natural mite drop, uncapping drone brood and the ethanol-wash method. 

Members Blogs

Members of Hampshire Beekeepers Association share their insights and experiences on beekeeping through blogs. These blogs are intended for beekeepers from the fourteen local associations affiliated with Hampshire Beekeepers Association.

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Contact HBA Support

If you encounter any mistakes or missing information on the website, or if you want to contribute a blog or article to the website, please reach out to support.

webmaster@hampshirebeekeepers.org.uk

Recent Posts

  • Yellow Legged Asian Hornet Information Film (A Must Watch)

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    Richard Skinner

    The BBKA is proud to premiere its new yellow-legged Asian hornet information film. Asian Hornet Information Video Please note that HBA does not endorse the use of traps that catch and kill all pollinators. Please do your research as there are other traps that promise no bycatch and therefore help…

  • Swarm Season 2024

    Swarm Season 2024

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    Richard Skinner

    It appears that swarm season is upon us with many of our members reporting that their bees have built up strongly over winter. Along with the bad weather beekeepers have been unable to check their hives before now. If you do find that you have a swarm of honeybees in…

  • New Forest BKA – Honey Bee Nosema Check Day

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    Richard Skinner

    Join us for a buzzing day of checking honey bees for Nosema, a common fungal infection. This in-person event will take place at Colbury Church Rooms. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, this event is perfect for all bee enthusiasts. Learn how to identify, and gain valuable insights…

British Beekeepers Association

For 150 years, the British Beekeepers Association has been serving beekeepers since its formation in 1874. Learn more about its history and achievements here.