BBKA

• YLAH Monitoring for 2026

  Concerned by the continuing threat of the invasive, non-native Yellow-legged Asian Hornet the British Beekeepers' Association is urging everyone to stay alert, get informed and be ready to report any sightings. This time of year can start to see the emergence of Yellow-legged Asian hornet queens from hibernation. After a record number of sightings in 2025 we need everyone to remain vigilant for new nests. Spring vigilance and early destruction of small nests can help protect pollinators.        Photo credit:  John De Carteret  Queens need to feed quickly after coming out of hibernation, flowers such as Camellias are popular. Small nests, often starting the size of a golf ball and growing to the size of a melon can appear in dry outbuildings. Take a photo of the nest with an insect on it (if safe to do so) and please report.   Defra and the Fera Science Ltd have identified areas where there may be a higher risk of overwintering Yellow-legged Asi...

• In memory of mum, Catherine Brindley

  My mum passed away on the 10th of January 2026. As today is her cremation, I’m setting up this fundraiser to honour her in a way I knew she’d love. She’s always loved bees, so much so that she let a nest of them live in our chimney for nearly 20 years. She only had them removed because honey started leaking through our walls! But where she could’ve paid a few hundred to have them terminated, she paid a few thousand to have them safely removed and relocated, which just shows how much she cares. Any donations made in her memory are greatly appreciated, and thank you to everyone for celebrating her life, and reflecting on the impact she’s had on all of us.

• Nutty Dream Slice

  These irresistible bars bring together a crisp pastry base with a chewy, nut packed coconut topping. Loosely inspired by the rich coconut and brown sugar layer of Danish drømmekage (dream cake), this traybake uses honey with plenty of toasted nuts. The result is a moreish slice that’s perfect as an afternoon or lunchbox treat.  Nutmeg isn’t essential, but if you’ve got some to hand, a generous pinch makes all the difference — its aromatic warmth gives the bars extra depth. Servings:   16 squares              Preparation & Cooking:  1 hour. Ingredients 200g    Plain Flour 225g    Butter 30g      Icing Sugar 5           Eggs 200g    Honey 100g    Desiccated coconut 300g    Mixed nuts Pinch Salt Pinch grated Nutmeg Tip:  Chop nuts finely for a neater slice; larger pieces add bite but make the bar...

• Thank you for your exam or assessment payment

  Thank you for applying to take one or more BBKA Examination/Assessment. Your payment has been received. Your application will be verified and we will contact you with further details in due course. Kind regards, Kerstin Lilley BBKA Exam Board Secretary

• Plan your BBKA Spring Convention

  Planning for 2026 BBKA Spring Convention 2026 Convention Programme Book Here Considering the BBKA Spring Convention 2026? Now is a good time to plan your visit to the 2026 Convention, which runs Friday 17th – Sunday 19th April, at Harper Adams University in Shropshire, a short distance from the M54. Programme                   Book Here There are lectures, workshops and seminars every day, with a large Trade Show on Saturday 18th.   Advance tickets (£12 - £33) are available for single days or all three. Accompanied under-18s attend free; with concessions for 18 - 25 year-olds.  Saturday’s Trade Show is included in Saturday and 3-day tickets, or £6 on-the-day ‘Trade Show-only tickets’ include short talks in Speakers Corner and a Honey Tasting Bar. Please study details of (over 100) lectures, seminars and workshops before booking.  Lectures cannot be bo...