Information about Honeybee swarms and finding someone to collect can be found here. Bees in Buldings information here.

Please stay vigilant for Yellow-legged Asian Hornets, an invasive predator of pollinators. Report via the Asian Hornet Watch app with a photo of the insect. More info

image of a beekeeper working with their apiary

Becoming a Beekeeper

Beekeeping attracts a hugely diverse range of individuals.

We have three key pieces of advice for those interested in beekeeping:

  • Join a beekeeping Association
  • Enrol on a beginner’s course
  • Buy a good beginner’s book like the ‘Haynes Beekeeping Manual’

Our Association runs a variety of training to help and support new and improving beekeepers to learn and advance their craft.

Many of our training events are available to book via EventBrite.

Download our 'Getting Started' Guide

Taster Days

We run these short sessions to explain the basics about bees and beekeeping to allow you to see if beekeeping might be for you.

Please see our events pages for details, visit our Eventbrite page or contact us regarding the next available dates.

Beginner’s Course

Normally in spring we run a full beginner’s course at weekends. This is divided into two days sharing information on a wide range of topics that underpin beekeeping. This is followed by practical sessions run throughout the active season to help demonstrate the practical skills and techniques needed.

Visit our Eventbrite page for details and booking. 

BBKA Basic Assessment

We encourage members to consider the British Beekeepers Association’s Basic Assessment after a year or so of beekeeping. We run a free preparatory course for members each spring. This takes you through the requirements and has led to almost 100% of candidates passing.

Find out more about the Basic Assessment on the BBKA website

BBKA Education

The BBKA run a series of practical and written assessments and exams for those who wish to improve their knowledge and skills. As a local association our exams secretary can explain what is required to apply. A number of our members have taken these exams and are able to help and support those interested.

Find out more about further assessments and exams on the BBKA website

Bespoke Training

We have provided successful beginner’s training for a wide range of community and corporate clients. Our experienced trainers can adapt a course to your requirements in terms of times and content. We keep our pricing realistic and pride ourselves on the level of after training support we provide. Please contact us for further details.

Newcastle & District Beekeepers Association Membership

Membership of Newcastle and District Beekeepers Association also brings automatic membership of the British Beekeepers Association to whom we are affiliated.

Benefits from these memberships include:

  • Contact with a network of other beekeepers
  • Advice and assistance from experienced beekeepers
  • Free lectures and demonstrations
  • Free 3rd Party public liability & product insurance
  • Brood disease insurance
  • Regular local and national newsletters ‘The Pheromone’ and ‘BBKA News’
  • Access to regular practical sessions at the Association Apiary in Longbenton from April to September
  • Free access to our comprehensive beekeeping library
  • Regular updates on our Facebook and WhatsApp groups and our YouTube channel
  • Be the first to hear about bees for sale and second-hand equipment availability
  • Low-cost honey extractor rental

If you have any questions regarding membership please email us or complete the enquiry form on our contact page and one of our team will reply promptly.

 

To begin your application please click the button below. Alternatively, if you wish to join online, please email us at newcastle.beekeepers@gmail.com with your full name, address including postcode and a phone number so that we can send you a personal link to join.

If you are a UK taxpayer ticking the Gift Aid box enables us to claim 25% on top of your Membership fee from the government at no cost to you and would be much appreciated.

Download our application form
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Proud affiliates of the British Beekeepers Association

As a charitable organisation any donations are gratefully received

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Registered Charity Number 1204039.

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