Scottish Beekeepers Association

Scottish Beekeepers' Association
Supporting Scotland's Bees and Beekeepers

Scotland's New Honey Bee Health Strategy For 2022-2032

The Strategy was published on the 30th of June, and has been developed in conjunction with the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP). It has taken into account the review of the previous strategy and the results of the recent Scottish Government honey bee health survey. To download the Strategy please click here or on the image above.

Its main aim is “Working in partnership to achieve a healthy and sustainable population of honey bees in Scotland”.

The strategy details five pillars which will outline the ways of working which we will base our actions over the next 10 years:

1. Education, Training and Knowledge Transfer

2. Communication and partnership working across government, operational partners, stakeholders and all of those with an interest in honey bees in Scotland

3. Pest and Disease surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and control

4. Research and Development.

5. On-going review of the regulatory framework

The Strategy will be the overarching document which will be accompanied by an Implementation Plan. This will be a ‘living’ document detailing more specifically the actions which the BHIP will deliver in order to achieve the desired outcomes for honey bee health in Scotland. The Plan will be updated regularly following quarterly BHIP meetings and published on the Scottish Government website on our Bee Health pages.

Additional background information and previous publications:

· Scotland’s first 10 year Honey Bee Health Strategy (Published June 2010)

· Review of the first 10 year strategy (Published October 2021)

· Honey Bee Heath Strategy Survey Report 2022 (Published March 2022)

Any additional questions should be directed to the Scottish Government’s Bee Health Team at: Bees_mailbox@gov.scot

SBA Skep Workshop Sat 30th April 2022

skep

Please text Alan Riach on 07702436612 or phone to check availability both before purchasing or applying on a Workshop application form which can be downloaded from the web site https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/images/education/exams/WorkshopCourseConference%20Application%20Form%20(Word%20doc).pdf

A one day course on skep making will be held at Portmoak Village Hall, Main St, Scotlandwell, Fife. KY13 9HY on Saturday 30th April 2022 starting 10am.

Course tutor will be Bryce Reynard (InvernessBKA). Materials will be supplied and by the end of the day you should be well on the way to having a “swarm collection quality” skep finished.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but bring a packed lunch.

The workshop is limited to 8 participants. Preference will be given to SBA members with current individual membership. If places are available non-members will be accepted at a £20 surcharge.

The course fee is £55 –members , £75 –non members.if you wish to attend, check for availability by e-mailing alan.riach@scottishbeekeepers.org.uk or text or phone on 07702436612

There is now a Skep competition class at the Highland Show -“Skep suitable for Swarm Collection, Outside Diameter 30cm to 40cm, Height 25cm to 35cm, made by the exhibitor in straw or wild grasses and any suitable binding material”