Yorkshire Beekeepers Association -YBKA

Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update (10/05/26)

Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update (10/05/26) Yorkshire Beekeepers Association members may find the recent BBKA Yellow Legged Asian Hornet (YLAH) coordinators’ meeting particularly useful, especially given the growing concern around confirmed northern sightings and increasing awareness work across Yorkshire. The discussion focused heavily on practical local action, public engagement, monitoring strategies, volunteer coordination, and concerns around communication from national agencies. Key updates and points relevant to Yorkshire members…...

Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update (10/05/26) Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update (10/05/26) Yorkshire Beekeepers Association members may find the recent BBKA Yellow Legged Asian Hornet (YLAH) coordinators’ meeting particularly useful, especial…

🐝 Beekeeping Opportunity in the Yorkshire Dales 🐝

An exciting opportunity has come up for a beekeeper to join a growing team working within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The role involves managing four colonies (initially), with payment provided, a great chance to earn a little extra income while doing what you love.

This opportunity comes via Buckleys Bees, a well-established business run by Emma Buckley and her father David Buckley, who is celebrating 60 years in beekeeping. Their work focuses on supporting beekeepers across the country and creating opportunities to make beekeeping more sustainable and rewarding.

They regularly deliver talks to beekeeping associations nationwide, including popular queen breeding sessions at the BBKA -Spring Convention 2025.

If this sounds of interest, or you would like more information, Emma is very happy to answer any questions.

You can also find out more about their work here: https://www.buckleysbees.com/beekeepers

Please share with anyone who might be interested!

YBKA Yorkshire Show Photography Competition 2026

https://ybka.org.uk/photo

We are delighted to launch this year’s Yorkshire Beekeepers’ Association Photography Competition, celebrating the beauty, diversity and importance of the plants that sustain our pollinators. Theme: Pollinator Plants This year’s theme invites you to capture the plants and flowers that support bees and other pollinators. Whether it is a garden in full bloom, a wildflower meadow alive with activity, or a single flower visited by a bee, we are looking for images that tell the story of pollination in action....

Thinking about getting bees? 🐝

👉 https://beginner-beekeeping.co.uk/start-beekeeping-uk-beginners-guide

Start smart. Your bees will thank you.

Finally managed to find a left-handed hive tool. They are so hard to track down!

Great work RAF Northolt

Basic Certificate Assessment 2026

Members who wish to undertake the Basic Certificate Assessment in 2026 - the closing date for entries is 30 April. The assessment is open to any member of a BBKA-affiliated association who has managed a colony of honey bees for a minimum of one year.

The assessment is conducted over approximately one hour and comprises practical and oral components designed to evaluate core beekeeping knowledge and competence.

Benefits of Undertaking the Assessment

The Association recognises that participation in the Basic Certificate Assessment supports the development of competent and confident beekeepers. Key benefits include:

• Structured development of beekeeping knowledge
• Improvement in practical beekeeping standards
• Enhanced colony management and potential honey yield
• Formal recognition of competence
• Evidence of capability for allotments, public engagement, and markets
• Support for progression within the BBKA education framework
• Contribution towards the pathway to Master Beekeeper status
• Increased confidence in demonstrating good practice
• Recognition as a suitably qualified individual to support and mentor others

The assessment fee is £35.

Members who are interested are encouraged to contact their association Education or Examinations Officer, who will provide further information and access to the application process.