Please see our FAQ’s page to see the latest questions and answers from more experienced beekeepers
While restrictions are in place making it difficult to meet up and share advice / guidance, Coventry BKA is considering establishing a telephone/internet based mentoring system for these novice beekeepers by ‘buddying’ them up with a more experienced beekeeper. Please check your emails for updates There are likely to be fewer swarms available this season because of restrictions due to Covid-19, although there may be some. Coventry BKA will be creating nucs for new members who are waiting for their first bees this year. If you need bees, please register with the swarm co-ordinator. To confirm CBKA branch advice on swarm collection in these unusual times we are dealing with: The BBKA swarm collection service will continue, so calls will still be coming in: “24 March 2020 Please use your best judgement when taking a call, and if you can avoid a trip, please do. Be insistent on identification of honey bees; You may visit your bees for welfare purposes such as for checking feed or queen cell preparation. “You must take into account social distancing and safe access It is RECOMMENDED by your Branch Committee that you
BBKA Chair Anne Rowberry says: “The swarm collection service will still be in operation during the pandemic.
Swarm collection can go ahead but you must take into account social distancing.
Risk assess the situation and do not take unnecessary risks as health services will be under pressure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
As always, only collect when it is safe to do so.”
Make it clear that honey bees are not protected, and we only offer the collection service as volunteers;
Offer reassurance that the swarm will probably disperse in a coupe of days if it has just arrived;
Only think about attending if the swarm has been there a couple of days or is causing a public nuisance;
Ensure you abide by all social distancing rules;
Do not attend swarms where you have to enter people’s homes