Newbattle Beekeepers Association

Make your garden a haven for bees by planting pollen and nectar-rich flowers.

Follow the link to the RHS website to check out their recommendations

RHS Planting Recommendations

The following is a notice issued by the Scottish Government Bee Health Team for beekeepers across Scotland. We are contacting you to inform you of an outbreak of American Foulbrood (AFB) in the Bridge of Earn area of Perthshire. This is the first finding of AFB in Scotland this year. This outbreak concerns a single hive and was first reported to the Scottish Government by the beekeeper, with the disease being confirmed by SASA on the 24th of May 2023. The beekeeper concerned has been informed of the official confirmation of the disease. They are fully cooperating with the Scottish Government bee health inspectors. The infected colony will be humanely euthanised and the hive will be destroyed as there is no permitted treatment for the disease in the UK. Restrictions are in place in the apiary. We are working with the beekeeper to identify the possible origin of this outbreak as well as any possible spread of disease. Beekeepers within 3 km from the infected apiary will also be alerted of this outbreak via BeeBase. What does this mean? This is an informative announcement to raise awareness of key points. There are no subsequent restrictions in the area as a result of this finding other than those in place for the infected apiary. Next Steps Please can beekeepers also be reminded of the need to acquaint themselves with the symptoms of foulbrood diseases and how to carry out a full foulbrood inspection. Foulbrood inspections should be carried out at least once a year. If there is any suspicion of AFB, or European Foulbrood (EFB), there is a legal requirement to notify the Scottish Government Bee Inspectorate. Strict bio-security is the best prevention to avoid infection, especially for beekeepers who are located within the outbreak area. Swarms of unknown origins should be isolated in a quarantine apiary and inspected for signs of disease before they are brought into contact with other colonies. Extreme care should be taken with old and second-hand equipment. Such equipment should be thoroughly cleansed and sterilised before re-utilising. In our experience, old infected equipment is the main source of spread of AFB. In addition, we would like to emphasise the importance of registering and keeping the locations of apiaries up to date in BeeBase. This will allow the Scottish Government Bee Health Team to assess if there has been a risk of disease spreading to their bees. This is all the more important for those beekeepers who find themselves within the area where the outbreak has been confirmed. Free registration to BeeBase is available at the National Bee Unit website. Registration on BeeBase also ensures that other beekeepers in an area are automatically alerted to disease outbreaks. Additional information can be found on the following web pages: ·       Foulbrood – how to spot and report the disease ·       Honey bee health guidance If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: Bees_Mailbox@gov.scot Thank You

To enter the draw, email BeeCraft by 1 June 2023

Terms & Conditions 

You can win a pair of adult tickets (value £54.00)

valid for Sunday 18 June

The theme this year is - Bee Engaged & Bee Pollinator Friendly

7 Things You Can Do for Pollinators

PLANT FOR POLLINATORS

• Habitat opportunities abound on every landscape – from window boxes, farms, business & school campuses and roadside verges – every site can be a habitat.
• Utilise plants native to your area (or at the least, non-invasive for your area)
• Know your soil type and select appropriate plant material.
• Plant in clusters to create a "a target' for pollinators to find.
• Plant for continuous flowering throughout the growing season - Spring to Autumn.
• Select a site that is sheltered from wind, has at least partial sun, and can provide water.
• Allow material from dead branches and logs to remain as nesting sites; Allow patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees to use; consider installing bee hotels for wood-nesting natives.

Bee Part of The Green Story and enter the Bees Abroad Prize Draw to win one of seven fantastic prizes!  The draw closes at Midnight, 20 May. You could be soon enjoying an overnight stay at the Royal Lancaster or Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Every entry supports Bees Abroad beekeeping projects! So have a go and please share with a friend!

Buy Your Prize Draw Tickets Here

We all know the bee basics. They’re important pollinators. They make honey. They make buzz. They like to join you at picnics.

But did you know that they also provide us with medicines and even help keep our planet beautiful and healthy?

Take the FAO bee quiz and learn more about these tiny food heroes!

Quiz - What's the Buzz About Bees?

Due to a private event taking place at the college on Saturday 20 May, the main driveway will be closed from 4 pm on Friday 19 May until 5 pm on Saturday 20 May. There will be restricted access to the front of the college building from 8 am – 5pm on Saturday 20 May.

The visitor car park on the left-hand side of the main entrance, can still be used and those visiting without a car can still access the grounds.

The closing date to get your entries in for the Scottish Honey Championships is fast approaching!

Entries close on Sunday 21 May. You can enter online.

Take a look at the Schedule Here 

There are some gaps in coverage across the UK, notably central Wales, the North East of England and Scotland.

Would you like to participate or to find out more about the scheme? If your answer is Yes then visit  their website to find out more and request sample packs.  

Take me to the Website