The annual survey by the BBKA has been running year-on-year since 2007. It aims to determine its members’ honey bee colony survival and to understand the causes of success and failures in overwinter colony survival. The survey time period is from 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020.
So, as you complete your first inspections of your colonies, please fill it in.
Courtesy of BBKA and the National Bee Unit Beebase advice about Covid-19 and Beekeeping.
It is suggested you print out and carry a copy when going to tend your bees at your BeeBase registered apiaries.
Updated version with Logos
200403_COVID19_guidance.pdf
As well as social distancing and apiary hygiene advice please note the following paragraph:
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, you should be self-isolating at home and should not be visiting other premises. Ideally, another beekeeper should take on this duty wherever possible. We are suggesting that local associations consider how they can support those confined or unable to attend their bees at this difficult time for all of us.
If you are not registered with Beebase, or have apiaries that are not registered then please visit http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/
24 March 2020 – BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: “Bees are livestock and should be tended.
“You may visit your bees for welfare purposes such as for checking feed or queen cell preparation.
“You must take into account social distancing and safe access. Also swarming, please do do not going into houses, roofs etc, or go through houses to reach swarms.
“We are working with DEFRA. NBU inspectors will still inspect if you have disease concerns.”
The BBKA AHAT Teams are coming together, North Devon have just sent a map in showing the coverage in their area where each trap has been placed. This may be of great assistance to the Bee Inspectors if they are called to the area to look for hornets.
Please visit the BBKA site for more information.
