Answer: If your allotment comes under Fareham B.C. they usually insist that you have completed the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) Basic Assessment which you can do after managing a colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months. Other councils have different rules. There is no such thing as a Registered Beekeeper but being a member of an association, such as Fareham and District Beekeepers’ Association, will also give you membership to Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association and the BBKA. Being a member of the BBKA provides public and product liability insurance which is probably what the T&Cs you refer to are suggesting, as this insurance covers any liability claims.
If you would like to join us, our preferred method is via the online application form on our Membership page. If you are unable to complete the online application form, you can download a form in .pdf format HERE and follow the instructions on the membership page. However, beekeeping has a lot more to it than just buying a hive. If you are new to beekeeping we strongly recommend doing a beginner’s course. The FDBKA one starts in January each year, details HERE.
Answer: We recommend at least two hives to be able to share resources between hives. If one hive becomes queenless and fails to replace her, a frame of eggs can be transferred from the other hive to enable the queenless hive to raise their own queen. If one hive becomes low in numbers frames of brood can be transferred from the stronger hive to strengthen the weak one. Starting with one hive is acceptable but there are advantages with having more than one.
Answer: This is a subject of great debate amongst beekeepers. Unfortunately, even the most eco-friendly exterior paints contain fungicides and low-biocide. We therefore do not recommend any specific solution but have found that one of the best websites reviewing the subject is found here.
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