First Association Zoom meeting on Saturday 28th at 7.30pm
Topic: Bringing Back the Black Bee
Time: Nov 28, 2020 07:30 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84397630574?pwd=S1l6cjN3SHIrK0w2SVV2ajNDdUd1QT09
Passcode: 713798
Topic: Bringing Back the Black Bee
Time: Nov 28, 2020 07:30 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84397630574?pwd=S1l6cjN3SHIrK0w2SVV2ajNDdUd1QT09
Please click on the link below for guidance from the bee health policy teams in England, Wales and Scotland regarding beekeeping during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here:Covid-19_and_Beekeeping_Update_v1
âWe have now entered the worldâs sixth mass extinction event â the biggest, most rapid global biodiversity crisis since a meteor ended the age of the dinosaursâ
Pesticides can impair brain growth in baby bumblebees, affecting their ability to perform a simple learning task as adults, according to a new study.
The West Sussex Beekeepersâ Association is again organising a Bee Market and Auction for the benefit of its members and non-members with beekeepers attending to buy and sell from a very wide area.
The event will again take place at Chichester College’s Brinsbury Campus in Pulborough, West Sussex on Saturday 25th April 2020.
Auction details, Guidance Notes and the Entry Form are available to download from the WSBKA website – www.westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk/auction.html .
The Auction catalogue will be published online after 20th April.
For further details contact me on email secretary@westsussexbeekeepers.org.uk  or phone 01403 752493 Mobile 07761 34928
With bad weather conditions affecting much of the UK, please take some time to read the below update and check on your colonies.
STORES
Please keep a check on the winter stores. Hefting is the preferred method, gently tilt the hive from the rear to give an indication of the amount remaining. If youâve already placed fondant inside then perhaps lift the lid to have a quick peek to ascertain if the bees are taking it, and if so gauge if or when it may need replenishing.
PEST DAMAGE
Prior to checking stores a perimeter check of the hive would be a good idea after stormy/windy weather to see that your hives are still upright. If you have used straps check your straps are secure. Check also for pest damage, woodpeckers can be a particular nuisance at this time of year as can mice looking for a warm place to nest. Mouse guards should have ideally been fitted as part of your winter preparations. If you live in an area where woodpeckers might be a problem a cage around your hives made from chicken wire is a good deterrent.
VARROA
Many of you will have checked your Varroa mite count and treated as necessary but if not please do check your Varroa mite count and treat if needed (but only use an authorised treatments). In the winter months when no brood is present oxalic acid products can be administered, but ensure you follow the manufacturerâs instructions. Though with the mild weather to date a brood less period may not have taken place in some parts of the country.
A full list of the currently authorised treatments can be found here.
DAMP
Damp is one of the biggest risks to your bees in winter, bees can usually withstand the cold but damp will takes its toll. If your hive is in an area where damp may accumulate it may be prudent to move your hives elsewhere.
REGIONAL BEE INSPECTOR (RBI) REPORTS
Your RBI has compiled a report giving feedback on the 2019 season along with the National Bee Unit contact information. You can view it here.
SEASONAL BEE INSPECTOR (SBI) VACANCIES
The National Bee Unit currently has a number of Seasonal Bee Inspector (SBI) vacancies advertised in the following areas. If you are interested in applying for the job, please use the links below andcontact the relevant Regional Bee Inspector for any queries regarding the position.
South East â Kent
North East â East and West Yorkshire
Southern â Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Hampshire
Eastern – North Cambridgeshire, South Lincs & West Norfolk
Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB
Friday 3, Saturday 4, Sunday 5 April 2020
One of the more unlikely films competing in this years Oscars is a fascinating story about a wild beekeeper in the Balkans. Honeyland has a strong ecological message, but it’s the life story of the woman at the centre of the film that has struck a chord around the world.
Read the full BBC article here
Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime
This year, the committee of Petersfield and District BKA has voted for Elizabeth Eveleigh to be our Unsung Hero!
Elizabeth started bee-keeping in 2009 having completed the PDBKA Beginnersâ course the year before. She is always helpful and knowledgeable due to her thirst for reading Bee books!
In the committee, everyone relies on Elizabeth to take the minutes and then produce a light hearted version for circulation via the newsletter. She knows about native bees, bumble bees, wasps and hornets, and how to tell them apart. She happily gives talks to children and they are always entertained which saves us a few false swarm calls by instructing their parents.