Harper Adams to host UK's biggest beekeeping event

Posted 13 April 2012

The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) will hold its annual Spring Convention on Friday 20 to Sunday 22 April at Harper Adams University College. This is the UK’s biggest beekeeping event and one of Europe’s largest national beekeeping events.

At a time when the world’s honey bees are in crisis the role of the beekeeper is increasingly important to ensure the health of this important pollinator. This event is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of this fascinating craft as well as giving attendees an opportunity to stock up on equipment from the specialist suppliers at the trade exhibition. 

During the three day event attendees can choose from 27 lectures on a wide range of topics such as the evolution of the honey bee, the honey bee brain or swarm control and more than 30 workshops covering a variety of beekeeping subjects from microscopy to botany for beekeepers to practical topics using the products of the hive such as soap making or honey beer brewing. Non-beekeepers are catered for too with workshops for example on patchwork quilting and cup-cake making.

The event is aimed at members of the BBKA but is open to the public on Saturday 21 April with tickets priced at £22 for non-members available online or at the door. 

Martin Tovey, President of the BBKA said: “This is the first time we have held the Spring Convention away from the National Beekeeping Centre in Warwickshire. Its increasing popularity over the years led us to look for a bigger venue and Harper Adams University College is the ideal place with its excellent teaching facilities and accommodation all on campus. We look forward to welcoming a record number of visitors to the event with more than 1,200 tickets sold.”

The BBKA, an educational charity set up in 1874, is the UK's leading organisation representing beekeepers.

It promotes: 

• the importance of bees in the environment;
• support for beekeepers through education necessary to maintain healthy colonies of honey bees;
• awareness of the craft of beekeeping.

For more information visit www.bbka.org.uk/