 | See what's new in West Sussex News will be posted here from time-to-time so please come back regularly. |
| South East Regional Bee Inspector Thomas Bickerdike is the Regional Bee Inspector for the South East region. To contact Thomas e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: 07775 119464 The new Seasonal Bee Inspector for 2025 Isaac Mullane [email protected] 07552 262787 www.nationalbeeunit.com |  |
| BBKA Insurance The BBKA's Public & Product Liability Insurance renews on 4th October 2025. The cover letter has been received and members can use it if they are asked to provide proof of insurance for events such as selling at market stalls. This can be downloaded from the Admin & Compliance section of the BBKA Learning Online platform: https://learning.bbka.org.uk/ | 
|
| Plan Bee Ltd. The Scottish-based company has again announced its plans to continue its business in the South of England in West Sussex. A number of commercial colonies will be established in the east of the county. Their new CEO has recently spoken to our secretary and explained that the company is now under totally new management with a new business model. Their strategy is now to use local beekeepers to manage small numbers of colonies in limited areas and they are now using locally-bred queens. Access their website here. | 
|
| Small Hive Beetle On 11th September 2014 the Italian National Reference Centre for beekeeping confirmed the first detection of the presence of Small Hive Beetle (SHB) in South West Italy, in the port city of Gioia Tauro. The destruction of previously infected hives last year has proved ineffective in halting the spread of the beetle and eight further outbreaks have been confirmed in Calabria. Members are advised to remain vigilant for the detection of SHB within their colonies and if an infestation is suspected to advise the NBU immediately. The Regional Bee Inspector's details can be found above. The National Bee Unit will be carrying out a contingency exercise on 2nd & 3rd August 2023 in apiaries across the Petersfield area of Hampshire & into neighbouring areas of West Sussex, designed to mimic an incursion and spread of the small hive beetle. This is only an exercise but the co-operation of local beekeepers will be sought as testing of the contingency procedures is carried out and the effectiveness and responsiveness to an outbreak are measured. | 
|
| BBKA Number for Members Due to the volume of calls that the BBKA has been experiencing, the Association is very much aware that Members have had problems contacting the main office. As a consequence an additional line has been installed so that BBKA may answer calls from members more quickly and efficiently. Priority will be given to those using the new number which is purely for Member queries and requests; the number to call is 02476 698620. The current number will, when all staff are on calls, be on an automated system, with no answerphone capability. | 
|
| Bees For development The charity's aim is to assist people living in poor countries to achieve sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping. Visit their website: www.beesfordevelopment.org www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=5322684264460530&id=104351012960574 | 
|
- back to top -
Thanks for supporting the West Sussex Beekeepers’ Auction at Brinsbury on 26th April.
I have registered your Lot for sale and will advise you of your Lot Number w/c 21st April.
In the meantime should anything change I’d appreciate it if you could let me know so as to ensure the catalogue is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
