Beekeeping is an ideal hobby for someone who has a little time to spare and a great need to do something rewarding and even profitable. Mums at home with the children and early retirees are typical, although most people with a few hives still find time for work and leisure activities as well as beekeeping. If you like fresh air and a bit of adventure and have an interest in things natural and conservational, it may be just the thing for you. It has all the interest and uncertainty of farming but on a scale small enough to be carried out in your garden (provided you have a garden of reasonable size and you get on well with your neighbours).

Members of Associations within the Federation benefit from:

Third Party, Public Liability and Bee Disease Insurance.

Contact with other beekeepers in the area

The Federation monthly newsletter

Hire of honey extracting equipment

The British Beekeepers' Association Newsletter as part of your Association subscription

Beekeeping equipment at reduced prices

The Federation holds an open honey show each autumn together with a lecture. Anyone interested in bees or beekeeping may attend or enter exhibits for the show, details will appear in the Newsletter archive.

All Associations hold monthly meetings throughout the winter, anyone interested in bees or beekeeping are invited to attend - Apply to the relevant Secretary for details.

Apiary meetings are held through the summer - details from the appropriate Secretary.

Beekeeping courses are held at The Berkshire College of Agriculture. Details obtainable from the tutor, George Butler, telephone: 01189832735 or Janet Hausmann at the College, telephone: 01628 827513 (direct line)

Regional bee Inspector

Ian Homer Telephone: 01308 482161 E-mail: i.homer@csl.gov.uk

South East Region: Alan Byham Telephone: 020 8570 6450