WHO ARE WE？
North Somerset Beekeepers supports local beekeepers by promoting practical skills in beekeeping a well as a better understanding of key environmental issues which affect the health and well-being of bees. Members are encouraged to improve the local genetic pool through careful husbandry of honeybee colonies.
We provide training, promote best practice and offer advice, support and education to beekeepers and the public.
Over the years our members have made – and continue to make - an impressive contribution to British beekeeping at both national and county level.
Over the years our members have made – and continue to make - an impressive contribution to British beekeeping at both national and county level.
Teaching HIVES
These hives give prospective beekeepers the chance to handle bees and get a feel for managing a hive. We have introduced a polystyrene hive this year and we plan to widen the range of hive types to give members experience of different hives. |
How do new beekeepers start?New beekeepers are encouraged to keep their hives at the branch apiary in their first year of beekeeping. Regular Sunday sessions are held throughout the summer when experienced beekeepers are on hand to help new members manage their bees. |
Please refer to the following documents for more details
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below for details of teams, dates, times and staffing
| apiaryrota2020.pdf |
North Somerset Beekeepers Apiary,
Langford Campus,
Bristol University Veterinary School,
Langford, BS40 5DU
History
Founded in 1952 North Somerset Beekeepers have a rich 66 year history.
-L. E. Snelgrove
A Somerset Beekeepers’ Association has been in existence almost continuously since 1876. It was in 1905, however, that L.E. Snelgrove, a young schoolmaster at Weston-super-Mare, became the Honorary Secretary of the former Bristol, Somersetshire and South Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association. He set about re-forming it into one that was viable, effective in fulfilling its function, and covering the whole of the county of Somerset.
North Somerset Beekeeper's predecessor was Somerset Beekeepers’ Association which has existed since 1876.By 1920 there were 20 branches, and Snelgrove moved to place the Association on a more representative and efficient footing. The rules were re-drawn and the branches were placed into five Divisions: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central.
The emergence of NSBK was In the mid-1970s. Resulting from the Maude report and the creation of the County of Avon, an amicable split occurred, the three Divisions within this new county forming their own Association.
The emergence of NSBK was In the mid-1970s. Resulting from the Maude report and the creation of the County of Avon, an amicable split occurred, the three Divisions within this new county forming their own Association.
USEFUL LINKS
Further reading: Somerset Beekeepers and Beekeeping Associations; A History, 1875-2005 by David Charles