General Information about WBKA
There are about eighty members in the association scattered around the stunning Wharefdale region, from Horton in Ribblesdale to Arthington. The Association is a member of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), the Yorkshire Beekeepers Association (YBKA) and the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders' Association (BIBBA).
As bees have such an important role in the production of food, the Association promotes beekeeping through education and training for the benefit of the environment and mankind. WBKA is a registered charity (No. 506891) and members of the Association give talks, lectures and demonstrations to a wide range of groups including: children and young people, people with disabilities and special needs, special interest societies and other charities and voluntary bodies.
Beginners and new members welcome
The association is always pleased to welcome new members.
We run a beginners course each year. This is a useful course for a wide range of people from complete beginners to those who already keep bees, but wish to further their knowledge.
For further information about the association or if you have any other questions you may have about beekeeping.
Please contact the membership secretary Peter Longbottom .
WBKA Strategic Plan
WBKA will develop resources to establish high standards of beekeeping among existing and new members through a programme of meetings and the provision of training, bee breeding and apiary facilities. The Association will achieve these objectives through:
1. A programme of development at the four main sites (see below).
2. Through using BBKA approved training modules and examinations.
3. Close liaison with appropriate local training and environmental organisations and sources of funding.
4. Active membership of YBKA, BBKA and BIBBA.
5. An annual programme of speakers, demonstrations, apiary visits and a honey show.
6. Bee Breeding.
Tarn Moor - to provide a resource that will meet the long-term needs of the Association with regard to:
1. Practical and hands-on training.
2. Nucleus production and queen rearing.
3. Apiary meetings.
4. Apiary site for members' colonies.
5. A show-case wildlife environment with an emphasis on honeybee plants.
Carters Lane - to provide an alternative apiary site for new members' colonies.
Barden Moor - to provide a heather apiary.
-Apiary rules may be found on the Members page of this website after the Library details.
Parceval Hall - negotiations are under way with the Hall trustees and management to provide a facility to raise public awareness of honeybees by providing an observation hive and other educational materials.
Current WBKA Projects are supported by Leader, DEFRA, The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Yorkshire Forward, Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the People's Post Code Lottery.
