Newbattle Beekeepers Association

Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet Advice

With the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet being confirmed in Belfast, Scottish beekeepers are becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of the Yellow-legged (Asian) hornet making an appearance here.

The Scottish Government’s 'Yellow-legged hornet: pest-specific contingency plan' sets out the official response that will be made by the relevant authorities. Click here to view the plan.

Scotland's beekeepers can play an important part by making sure they are able to correctly identify the Yellow-legged hornet and then report any sighting without delay. There is a handy guide which you can view and circulate by downloading here.

The Scottish Government has advised that the preferred mechanism for reporting a potential sighting is to use the Asian Hornet Watch App because it provides clear guidance on species differentiation and records location and contact detail information.

The app is available for both iPhone and Android operating systems and can be downloaded from the usual app providers or below

For iPhones click here

For Android click here

Members are encouraged to download the Asian Hornet Watch App and ensure that they are familiar with its content and use.

Podcast Episode 19 of the Podcast goes into more detail about his position on treatment-free beekeeping.  Click on the image to listen

This year is the worst year on record for credible sightings and nests destroyed.

The range of the insect has extended from the South of the UK to locations in the North.

Confirmed sightings are on record for North Yorkshire and Runcorn in Cheshire.

A reported sighting was also recorded for Cork in Ireland. This is the second hornet to be found in Ireland, the first being in Dublin in 2021.

Scottish Beekeepers Association - MODULE EXAMS DEADLINE

Every year the SBA run two diets of module exams where you can expand your honey bee and beekeeping knowledge. The next are on Saturday 15th November and the closing date to register to sit one of these module exams is less than 2 weeks away, Tuesday 30th Sept. To register please click here. 

For more information on each of the modules and to download their current syllabus please click here. Please note the Recommended Reading List has been updated, and you can download that here.

If you have any questions or want to find out more, please contact Alan Riach the SBA Education Officer, via education@scottishbeekeepers.org.uk

Read the Blog Post Here

Winter Studies

Are you keen to develop your honeybee and beekeeping knowledge this year? Why not study for one of the Scottish Beekeepers Association  beekeeping modules? The next diet of the module exams is on Saturday 15th of November, but registration for these exams closes on the 30th of September. To register please click here.

Please don't let the word 'Exam' put you off! There is tremendous satisfaction in unearthing new facts when preparing for these exams. And you're adding to your honeybee and beekeeping knowledge, which can only be a good thing. There's a variety of topics to choose from including the management of honey bees, their biology, behaviour, diseases and pests, to honey bee products and forage. The new Plants and Pollinators module is included in this round.

So why not think about studying for one or more of the modules and enjoy expanding your knowledge? To find out more please click here

The latest Blog Post by Steve Donohoe looks at a recently published article in Scientific Reports 

Read the Walrus Blog Post Here

The Beekeeping Show takes place on Saturday 21 February 2026 at Telford International Centre.

It is the premier UK beekeeping trade show, attracting visitors and exhibitors from worldwide. 1,850+ visitors and 69 exhibitors are expected to attend.

The International Centre is within minutes of a national motorway and rail networks. There will be FREE on-site show day parking for show goers. Hotels are situated in close proximity to the venue.

Tickets are available via the show website:

http://www.thebeekeepingshow.co.uk 

Our friends at the Welsh Beekeepers' Association - Cymdeithas Gwenynwyr Cymru have another fascinating webinar coming up on the 11th Sep at 7.30pm with Jacques van Alphen, the title of which is ‘Honey Bees - A Natural & Less Natural History’

To register please visit

https://lnkd.in/euKb_ds8

Activate to view larger image,

Scientists at Oxford University have developed a honeybee "superfood" that could protect the bees against the threats of climate change and habitat loss.

Click here to read the full story on the BBC Website