Welcome to the Rugby Beekeepers Association website. We are probably one of the smallest branch of the eight in Warwickshire, with around 50 members. Nonetheless, we are a friendly and lively association and meet the third Wednesday of each month, at Friends Meeting House (see Branch Location below) when we have interesting talks from visiting experts on any number of beekeeping topics. We also get together at our branch apiary to conduct various necessary manipulations of the bee colonies.

Read more: Welcome

Dear Members,

February means snowdrops emerging and it also heralds our AGM.  While snowdrops are greeted with enthusiasm the same cannot always be said for the AGM. 
But, do consider participating as keeping our Association working effectively is the way in which we promote beekeeping to the general public, and inform them about bees and beekeeping, also importantly it is the way we can continue to educate and support new beekeepers.

Read more: February 2021

woodpecker proof

Tips for the Month:

  • Continue to monitor stores on all colonies every few weeks by weighing or hefting. Feed fondant on top of the crown board over the feed hole if the hive seems light.

Read more: February 2021

Covid-Impact!

Rugby beekeepers typically offer an introduction to beekeeping course each year in the Spring.

Many of those who have attended have continued their interest and become beekeepers, which is terrific, but not essential. There are those who simply want to know more.

Read more: Beginner's Courses

Dear Members,

As the New Year beckons I am sure we all fervently hope that 2021 is a better year than 2020 when, hopefully, Covid retreats enough for us to resume our normal activities.

Read more: January 2021

BeeBase

Beebase News Web feed
  • BeeBase Downtime
    01 February 2021
    Due to planned maintenance of our servers, BeeBase will be unavailable between 09:00 and 13:00 on Tuesday 16th February 2021.

    Normal service will be resumed after this time.
  • Social science study on how best to support beekeepers and bee farmers through education, information and advice
    20 January 2021
    Understanding how turnover (“churn”) among beekeepers can be managed and review information sources, learning methods and use of social media, to develop resources to support the beekeeping sector.

    Defra and Welsh Government have commissioned a social science study to gather information about different aspects of education and training. This includes getting a better understanding of how the turnover of beekeepers can be managed. It will also review information sources, learning methods and use of social media. The third part of the project will evaluate current continuous professional development schemes and resources to support bee farmers. The study which has just begun, has been contracted to ICF Consulting who have carried out a number of research projects in other areas for Defra. We are hoping that many beekeepers will participate in the project which will include a survey and further details will be announced soon.

    This work links into the Healthy Bees Plan 2030, working together to improve honey bee health and husbandry in England & Wales.
  • COVID-19 and Beekeeping update
    11 January 2021
    This is a re-issue of the guidance provided in October 2020:

    Please find the latest Covid-19 beekeeping guidance. The update includes separate links to the current Public Health Guidance for England, Wales and Scotland.

    Covid-19_and_Beekeeping_Update_v3

    COVID-19_and_Beekeeping_-_Welsh_Language_Version v3

    If you have any queries please contact:

    For England: BeeHealth.Info@defra.gov.uk
    For Wales: HoneyBeeHealth@gov.wales / GwenynMelIach@llyw.cymru
    For Scotland: Bees_Mailbox@gov.scot