Interesting programme on honey and Honey fraud on The Food Programme this week.

About 1/2 way through RDBKA’s first ever 10-session Proficient Course. This is the top tier of the 4 courses run by RDBKA. 9 experienced Members of the Association enrolled; focusing on pests, diseases & elements of bee behaviour. A chance to get the microscope out too 🔍🐝 🐝

RDBKA welcomes 17 potential/new beekeepers to its popular annual 2-day beekeeping taster weekend at Foxglove Covert, Catterick. Some theory followed by plenty of hands-on practice! A fantastic introduction to the art of beekeeping; they all appear to have what it takes! 😀🐝🐝🐝

RDBKA’s very popular annual, weekend beekeeping taster course is being held on 31 May-1 June at Foxglove Covert, Catterick. Theory mixed with hands-on practical experience. We only have a few places left; if you want to test whether beekeeping is for you, apply via our website.🐝

Over 30% of honey on store shelves is adulterated - cut with sugar syrups, hidden additives, or even fake altogether. Real honey is made by bees, not labs. Support local beekeepers, read labels, and look for raw, unfiltered options.

BBKA/COLOSS Winter Survival Survey The BBKA wants understand how winter losses in 2024/25 compare to previous years, & we need your help. Please take a few mins to complete this short, anonymous questionnaire which will be open until Fri 16 May 2025. https://t.co/6bByOztmh2

Please consider downloading the Asian Hornet Watch app. This simple app allows you to check ID of similar insects and report sightings Always send insect photo with any report Investigation following reports lead to vital nest destructions QR codes: Left - Apple Right - Android

This weekend sees temperatures reach 12C for several days. This can be a trigger for yellow-legged Asian hornet queens to emerge from hibernation. Please remain vigilant near nest site from 2024, which were mainly in Kent, E & W Sussex and Hampshire Illustration Sarah Bunker

I'm familiar enough with islam to know that if the circumstances don't allow for it, muslims can pray quietly in their hearts. This is not mandated or necessary. It's simply intimidation of other passengers.

This NBU leaflet describes the Small hive beetle (SHB), a potential threat to European and UK beekeeping. In 2014 SHB was confirmed in Italy. All beekeepers need to be aware of the beetle’s lifecycle and how it can be recognised and controlled. https://t.co/e8817cjGAA

The RDBKA Honey Show 2024. Many thanks to our guest judge Tony Jefferson, who travelled all the way from Whitby to adjudicate, and ‘Well done’ to the Winners, 2nds, 3rds, organisers and all the participants for taking part this year! Some very high quality exhibits 👏👏🏆🏆🍯🍯🐝

The culmination of the 2024 honey season: the RDBKA Honey Show held tonight at the Richmond Golf Club! Hoping for a good turnout and some top class exhibits! The very best of luck to all taking part, and a big ‘thank you’ for supporting the RDBKA for another year! 🐝🏆 🏆

18 nests now found in 2024

Last orders for the RDBKA Beginners’ Course 24/25. 10 x 2hr sessions, every other week, from Nov to April, plus practical sessions. Please see website for details - https://t.co/aUmE8w0xUu. Places are strictly limited so please get applications in asp. 🐝🐝🐝

RDBKA Basic Tests 2024 begin in earnest! A further 9 candidates being put through their beekeeping paces. Not press-ganged exactly, but we are keen to raise the beekeeping practices in the BKA and within the wider area; the Basic Certificate marks the beginning of the journey! 🐝

Thank you to all those who supported RDBKA’s annual bee experience weekend at the fantastic Foxglove Nature Reserve in Catterick Garrison! A great opportunity to showcase the intricacies of beekeeping! Exceptional weather, well-behaved bees and maybe 14 new beekeepers! 👏🐝🐝😀

RDBKA is now taking bookings for its popular weekend ‘beekeeping experience’ at Foxglove Covert on 1/2 June. Some theory and plenty of hands-on experience. Places are very limited, so please book early. See website for details: https://t.co/aUmE8w004W 🐝🐝🐝

Finally, a few sunny, warmer days. Some colonies have grown quickly and may require swarm prevention. The Oil Seed Rape is flowering and warmth means it yields nectar. Adding supers may give room for a flow

27 on our Beginners’ Courses and 13 on our Novices’ this year, who, after successfully completing the Basic Cert, will be the backbone of our 2024 Mentoring scheme. 1/2 way through, the the ground rush will soon be upon us. We look forward to welcoming all to our Association 🐝🐝

Nearly fell for it! Did you? 😀🪰🐝