News - Wakefield & Pontefract Beekeepers Association

Yellow-legged hornet 2025 rolling updateNovember 1, 2025
Please report sightings of Yellow-legged hornets (YLH), also known as Asian hornets, on this online form or download the free Asian hornet Watch app for Apple…
Asian Hornet Update – Staying Vigilant in 2025October 31, 2025
Awareness of the Yellow-legged Hornet (formerly known as the Asian hornet) remains a critical issue for all UK beekeepers, and it has continued to be…
Emley Show 2025 – A Celebration of Beekeeping and CommunityOctober 31, 2025
The Emley Show, held each year on the first Saturday in August, remains a highlight of the summer calendar for Wakefield and Pontefract Beekeepers Association.…
Beginners’ Beekeeping Course 2025 – Another Successful YearOctober 31, 2025
May marked the start of this year’s Beginners’ Beekeeping Course, which was once again fully booked with 19 enthusiastic attendees. The course is a joint…
Election of Officers and Committee 2025October 28, 2025
The annual election of officers and committee members took place, with Mark Millard (MM) confirming that all current officers and committee members had been contacted…
Healthy Bees Plan 2030: Provision of Hive Side Training – TenderOctober 20, 2025
We are seeking up to three contractors to provide hive side training to intermediate hobbyist beekeepers to teach beekeepers how to recognise pests and diseases…
Facebook – Growing Our Online CommunityOctober 15, 2025
Our Facebook page, managed by Jo Brown, also continues to thrive. In Jo’s latest update, shared with members, she wrote: “The Facebook page now has…
Honey Sales – A Sweet Success for 2025October 13, 2025
This season has once again seen strong honey sales across a range of outlets and events, helping to promote local beekeeping and support association funds.…
2025 Hive CountOctober 10, 2025
The National Bee Unit is pleased to launch the 2025 National Hive Count today, 1st of November. The hard slog of summer beekeeping is done…
New apiculture programme publishedOctober 7, 2025
The England Apiculture Programme for 2025-2028 has been published on BeeBase. The programme provides measures to support beekeepers and bee farmers by training events on…
Safeguarding measures on honey bees and apiculture products from UkraineOctober 6, 2025
Tropilaelaps mite presents a significant biosecurity risk to Great Britain’s bee population. In recent years the population of Tropilaelaps mercedesae has spread westward from its…
Apiary Update – Growth, Challenges, and GratitudeOctober 1, 2025
This year has been another important chapter in the continued development of our association apiary, with steady progress in both infrastructure and use. A budget…
July – Shows, Sessions, and Social BuzzJuly 31, 2025
July was a busy and rewarding month for our association, filled with opportunities to showcase our members’ skills and share our passion for beekeeping. Several…
World Bee Day at Thornes Park – A Buzzing Success!May 18, 2025
On Sunday 18 May, members of the Wakefield and Pontefract Beekeepers Association joined the celebrations for World Bee Day at Thornes Park. The event was…
Work Begins on Our New Patio and Seating AreaJanuary 18, 2025
Exciting progress is underway at the Wakefield & Pontefract Beekeepers Association Apiary as work begins on our long-planned patio and seating area. This new addition…
Area Representative’s Report – Wakefield & Pontefract Beekeepers Association 2024October 27, 2024
By Mark Millard The Yorkshire Beekeepers Association (YBKA), of which we are all affiliated members, continues to represent a vibrant and diverse network of 22…
Education and Examinations Report 2024 – Wakefield & Pontefract BeekeepersOctober 26, 2024
By Mark Buckley Education remains at the heart of what we do as an association, and I’m pleased to report continued success among our members…
Apiary Update – Growth, Challenges, and a Thriving SeasonOctober 24, 2024
Our association apiary has continued to develop steadily over the past year, though not without its fair share of challenges and triumphs along the way.…
Reflections on a Challenging Beekeeping Year 2023-24October 24, 2024
As another beekeeping season draws to a close, it’s time to pause, look back, and reflect on what has undoubtedly been one of the most…
Webmaster’s Report – Wakefield & Pontefract Beekeepers Association 2024October 16, 2024
By Kirit Gordhandas This year’s report begins with an important request: I am looking for someone to take over the role of Webmaster. Unfortunately, I…
Emley Show 2024August 24, 2024
The Emley Show is always a highlight of the beekeeping calendar, taking place each year on the first Saturday in August. It’s a wonderful opportunity…
World Bee Day 2024 at Thornes Park | WPBKAMay 19, 2024
On Sunday 19 May 2024, members of Wakefield and Pontefract Beekeepers Association joined the celebrations for World Bee Day at Thornes Park. The event, organised…
Planting Roots: Celebrating 150 Years of the BBKA at Wakefield ApiaryMarch 15, 2024
After years of negotiation with Wakefield Council, we were delighted to move into our new apiary site two years ago – a milestone that marked…