The Welsh Assembly Government is holding its third annual beekeepers conference in Llandrindod Wells on 16th February 2010 (postponed from the 11th January 2010 due to weather conditions).
The Assembly Government has been working closely with the Welsh Beekeepers Association on delivering the outcomes of the Healthy Bees Plan and an update on progress will be provided. The National Bee Unit will also be delivering a training workshop on Varroa control and good husbandry.
If you would like to attend, please call Amy Byrne on 01267 245007, or email: [email protected]
Apis Mellifera (the European Honey Bee) is the major managed pollinator available for field and outdoor fruit crops. Bombus (the bumble bee) are commercially reared for the managed pollination of a number of protected crops, including tomatoes.
There are approximately 4,000 beekeepers in Wales, with approximately 20,000 hives (fig. Based on 2001). Throughout the UK the number of beekeepers is thought to be 44,000 who maintain 274,000 colonies of honey bees. A number of these are commercial beekeepers.
The National Bee Unit (NBU) manages a web-based database of beekeepers in Wales and England called Beebase. This website also provides information on:
- the activities of the NBU,
- pest and disease (including their recognition and control),
- interactive maps,
- information on research,
- publications,
- advisory leaflets, and;
- contacts.
Beekeepers registered on Beebase can request can request a free apiary inspection from their local Bee Inspector. They can also and receive information and advice on disease recognition and control.
Visit https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/ for more information
