WHAT IS OUR AIM?
Today DBKA is committed to the encouragement, improvement, and promotion of all aspects of beekeeping . We aim to assist beekeepers, and visit schools and community to educate in the art of beekeeping.
HOW TO JOIN
We are happy for guests and potential members to attend up to 2 "taster" meetings with no obligation to join. Membership fees are £10 for Doncaster BKA or £34 for full membership which includes
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Monthly magazine from BBKA
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Monthly newsletter from YBKA*
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Full membership to YBKA & BBKA*
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Access to our online Members section
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Public liability insurance cover (see here for more information)
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Training Courses
We typically start our new season in September, with an AGM in October and the Honey show in November.
At our meetings, which normally take place in February, March, April, and May, we will try to have guest speakers to gain more knowledge and insight on how to maintain your Apiary. Click here to find out about our next meeting
Find out more about DBKA here
Our Meetings and Events
Come learn all about the wonderful life of bees and the importance of keeping them safe from extinction. Browse our programs and get in touch for more information.
Guest can attend 2 'taster' sessions for free
Our next meeting will be at
Check out our full timetable here
Meeting and Andrew Durham presentation
9 April 2024
Meetings start at 7:00 and closes at 10pm
At the Armthorpe Community Centre, 20 Church St, Armthorpe, Doncaster DN3 3AG.
Presentation by Andrew Durham on Asian Hornet – The Beekeepers Guide – Part 1
If beekeepers are to deal with the Asian Hornet, it is absolutely essential that they understand the situation, at what is happening and when it will happen. Without this critical understanding, the beekeeper will always be caught out and be left reacting to the situation rather than proactively anticipating events and proactively mitigating damage.
In Part 1 we look at the hornet situation as it has developed across the English Channel and why that presents an increasing threat to us here in mainland UK. We look at why there are hornet surge years and at the hornet’s lifecycle to see how the threat to our bees develops in the apiary. We look at the hornet’s interaction with the honeybee and at the hidden effects of the hornet’s predation that beekeepers must manage. We will look at the effect on beekeeping in France.
A comfort break/drinks break
Asian Hornet – The Beekeepers Guide – Part 2
If there is a problem with much of the guidance offered to beekeepers on dealing with the Asian hornet it is that it lacks detail.
In Part 2 we will have a close look at the Spring Trapping of Foundress Queens in the vicinity of the apiary, which alone can significantly reduce hornet numbers in the apiary. We will look at how the beekeeper can make the apiary work for the bee and not the hornet. We take a look at the three main tools that the beekeeper can use to defend the bees – the muzzle, the electric harp and the hornet guard. We finish by looking at how the beekeeper needs manage the situation as it develops across the year.
The talk will last about 1 hr 30 mins so we have booked the room for an extra hour so an Agenda can also be followed.