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Hopefully we'll have some new allotments here soon, and I'd love to keep bees there. I know absolutely nothing about them. Is there an organization where I can get some info? What about a local group in Devon. Does it cost a lot of money to get set up? Anyone in Mid Devon willing to teach me?
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Hi Helen!
We're just in the process of starting to keep Bees ourselves, but I'm sure one or two of the more experienced Beekeeping grapes will be along shortly with some more info and advice!
The best place we've found for info is the BBKA (British Beekeepers Association) British Beekeepers' Association
Who have a useful forum too!
I'd advise you find your local branch and start talking to them, they offer classes, both practical and examination, and from those we've met are a really friendly and committed bunch, you may even find someone who is willing to help you set up!
As to costs, buying new a hive and equipment can cost a few hundred pounds, but if you are lucky you may be able to get some second hand at a fraction of the cost. As for the bees, commercially about £100 for a nucleus (queen plus a hive nucleus), but again you may be able to get one cheaper thru the BBKA if anyone has a hive they need to split.
Good luck and keep us posted how you get on!Blessings
Suzanne (aka Mrs Dobby)
'Garden naked - get some colour in your cheeks'!
The Dobby's Pumpkin Patch - an Allotment & Beekeeping blogspot!
Last updated 16th April - Video intro to our very messy allotment!
Dobby's Dog's - a Doggy Blog of pics n posts - RIP Bella gone but never forgotten xx
On Dark Ravens Wing - a pagan blog of musings and experiences -
The BBKA will have a local group. They usually hold meetings with talks in the winter and visit apiaries in the summer. Best advice I could give is join the local group and get a bit of experience before you start.
Bees don't take a lot of looking after but they need specific jobs doing at specific times if you don't want swarms, want more honey and a good colony for the winter + they may need treating for disease or mites. Most groups have a mentoring scheme where you can get support and guidance when you need it most.
Good luck, the more beekeepers we have the more the government will listen to the plight of the honey bee.Last edited by Digger-07; 19-01-2009, 09:10 PM.Digger-07
"If you think you can, or think you can't, you're right" Henry Ford.Comment
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Oh my! SORRY.. I read the title of this thread and for a split second I thought it said "thining of JESUS" (!!!!) Need my eyes testing.
Very best wishes to you all though, we do need more bee keepers I think, there's been quite a bit in the press about the demise of our bees.Last edited by Marthaclematis; 19-01-2009, 10:01 PM.Comment
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Hiya,
Def go and meet the local group and when the spring starts and inspections begin, join them and watch, watch, watch. You could see inside up to a dozen hives in one afternoon, whereas that would take you 3 months to get the same experience on your own colony. Also, their knowledge and friendship would be invaluable when you hit problems. And if you join them then you get on their swarm list i.e. free bees! Winner.
BBKA is the first and most important port of call, as Mrs D and Digger point out.
Also, be careful if you inherit/buy 2nd hand equipment. It cost me £130 for a locally made new hive plus varroa floor (self assembly). But I also got x3 2nd hand hives off Freecycle and both flame seared and fumigated them to ensure no disease was carried over. And never use frames from others...harbinger's of doom and disease
...always start afresh with new frames and foundation to be safe. 
So get down to the local group, dabble and when you're sure, then commit and spend the money. Best of luck. The more bee keepers the better!
P17B"You can lead a horticulture but you can't make her think" - Dorothy ParkerComment
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Yes, find a local group through the BBKA ( British bee keepers Ass)
I saved hard and bought a new hive, I have tried some very kindly given 2nd hand hives, The ones I were given were hand built and would only ever fit with....part A next to part C, part B next to part 37 turned at 45deg on a dry day, with the wind in the east! get the idea.
A new hive fits together perfectly and with ease. For me, as a new and much fumbling bee keeper this was one (huge) less worry. I did renovate the old hand made hives lovingly...they were a work of art and 50,000 layers of paint!
BEE KEEPING IS GREAT.....GOOD ON YOU FOR HAVING A GO!Comment
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Thanks for all your good advice and contacts. I think watching and talking to others builds up experience. Our allotments are in the pipeline, hopefully very close to being a reality. I was contacted by a prospective lot holder who has 5 hives, so lucks in there. I'm not sure how experienced he is but i'mgoing to find out!! thanks guys!Comment
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