Notices

See what's new in West Sussex

News will be posted here from time-to-time so please come back regularly.

Enhanced DBS Checks for Members

This compiles all the information available at this time about the change in legislation.  It also details how members, who require an Enhanced DBS Check with Children’s Barred List check, can apply and there are also some FAQs which you may find helpful. Enhanced DBS Checks for members

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 

Isaac Mullane [email protected] 07552 262787 

www.nationalbeeunit.com

BBKA Insurance

The BBKA's Public & Product Liability Insurance renews on 4^th 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 2^nd & 3^rd 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

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