Chislehurst Honey

31/07/2026

24/05/2026

May is a special month for UK bumblebees – the Big Eight are joined by some of our rare and less common species 💛

👑 This month, some of these rare and less common queens will emerge from hibernation. Already active queens will produce their first daughters – the workers 💼

🎱 For the Big Eight, some queens will produce their first workers while others will welcome new males 🚹

What bumblebees have you spotted recently? How many have you seen so far this year?

24/05/2026

I wanted to bring to your attention an important issue regarding the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, which is an invasive species posing a real threat to our native insect populations—especially honey bees. The presence of these hornets can have a significant impact on biodiversity and local ecosystems.

If you happen to spot a yellow-legged hornet, please make sure to report your sighting using the Asian Hornet app. Your quick action can make a big difference in helping authorities monitor and control the spread of this species.

Thank you for staying vigilant and helping protect our native wildlife.

16/01/2026

Under 2 weeks until 2026 BBKA Spring Convention tickets go on sale on 25.1.26 @ 8pm
Full programme and other information available @ https://www.bbka.org.uk/pages/category/about-spring-convention

16/01/2026

Happy Internationall Woman's Beekeeping Day

02/01/2026

Become a Benefactor or Family member this January and receive a FREE bumblebee soft toy worth £18 when you join 🐝

When you become a member, you’re helping to:
🌻 Create and restore wildflower meadows
📊 Research how climate change affects bumblebees
🤝 Support farmers to create bumblebee-friendly habitats

A bee-rilliant way to start the new year together: https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/january

Bee quick, while stocks last!

01/01/2026

The Beekeeping Year -January
Things to consider doing...

🐝 Check hives for damage from woodpeckers or after storms
🐝 Apply Oxalic Acid if needed early in the month if not done already
🐝 Check entrances are clear of dead bees
🐝 Heft Hive, feed or replace fondant as needed
🐝 Clear or consider shading entrance during snow
🐝 Sales are probably on now – think what you may need this season because you will always need more kit!
🐝 Memberships of some organisations will need renewal
🐝 On a warmer day watch entrances for activity
🐝 Otherwise LEAVE ALONE

31/12/2025

2025 saw an unusually early spring and strong prolonged swarming, good honey crops in some areas, record yellow-legged Asian hornet nest destructions, above average winter losses, changes to neonicotinoid legislation and Tropilaelaps emerging as a potential threat.
The BBKA had a successful Spring Convention, developed the Member Hub, scheduled regular webinars, revised the website, held a successful yellow-legged Asian hornet week, supported local honey including National Honey Day and backed ongoing honey bee research.

What are the highlights of your 2025?