Yorkshire Beekeepers Association -YBKA

10/05/2026

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

08/04/2026

🐝 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!

08/04/2026

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....

05/04/2026

Thinking about getting bees? 🐝

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

Start smart. Your bees will thank you.

31/03/2026

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

31/03/2026

Great work RAF Northolt

30/03/2026

🚶‍♂️ Yorkshire walkers & ramblers - be our eyes in the countryside 🐝

The Yellow-legged Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an invasive predator spreading across the UK - and early detection is our best defence.

Out on the moors, trails, woodlands and parks… you are perfectly placed to spot them first.

👀 What to look for:

Dark body (almost black)
Bright yellow “socks” on the legs
Orange face
Single orange band near the tail

They’re smaller than our native hornet - and often seen hovering near flowers or bee hives.

📱 If you think you’ve seen one:

Take a photo (if safe to do so)
Report it using the Asian Hornet Watch app

Every verified sighting helps experts respond quickly and protect bees, pollinators, and our countryside.

🌿 These hornets don’t just affect beekeepers - they prey on a wide range of insects, including vital pollinators.

👉 You don’t need to be an expert. Just aware.

Walk. Spot. Report. Protect Yorkshire.

Please like and share to spread the message.

30/03/2026

The YBKA Honey Show is back and this year it’s part of the fantastic Emley Show 2026 on Saturday 1st August - Yorkshire Day!

Whether you are a seasoned exhibitor or have never entered before, this is your chance to get involved, showcase your bees and celebrate the craft of beekeeping with others across Yorkshire.

There are classes for everyone. From honey and wax to cakes, mead, and even photography. There is also a novice class, so if you have been thinking about entering for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity.

And there are some great prizes too:
A £50 voucher for Best Exhibit in the YBKA Show, kindly sponsored by E H Thorne (Beehives) Ltd
A £30 Thornes voucher for Best in the Open Show

More importantly, it is a brilliant day out, a chance to learn, connect, and take pride in what you produce.

Entries close 24 July, so now is the time to start planning what you will put on the bench.

Find full details and the schedule here: [insert link]

Bring your best and we will see you at Emley.

https://ybka.org.uk/ybka-honey-show

27/03/2026

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.