Welcome to the Bristol Beekeepers website. Bristol Beekeepers is a branch of the Avon Beekeepers Association (ABKA), a charity that promotes the advancement of the science of apiculture (beekeeping) and broader public awareness and education on the topic.

Bristol Beekeepers runs a full programme of social and educational events throughout the year. Many events are open to beekeepers and non-beekeepers alike as well as members of other clubs or associations. Our calendar of events can be found on our Events page. More details are provided in our newsletter which is regularly emailed to members. To become a new member please fill out our membership form.

Bristol Beekeepers has an excellent apiary where members can practice the craft of beekeeping with the support of an experienced beekeeper and full protective kit being provided.

Many of our members also sell their own honey locally around Bristol. If you are interested in finding out about local sellers in your postcode, please contact our Secretary.

Introduction to Beekeeping Course 2025

At the start of every calendar year we offer a three day introductory course to Beekeeping. This three day course takes place over three weekends the next course will be on 11th, 18th and 25th January 2025.

The course starts you off on your journey to becoming a competent beekeeper by delving into the marvellous and inspiring world of the honeybee, imparting practical advice on the commitments (time and financial) associated with beekeeping, and giving you an overview of both the risks and rewards. The course contains both lecture style teaching and practical elements, and we try not to keep you sitting still for too long. The cost of the course is £150 per person, which includes a reference book (BBKA Guide to Beekeeping), local association membership to November 2025, and a variety of other materials.

Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet or not?

The Asian yellow-legged hornet, also known as the Asian Hornet (vespa velutina nigrithorax), presents a risk to beekeepers across Europe. Although we have hornets in the UK, the Asian yellow-legged hornet is a non-native and invasive species that is known to feed on and kill large numbers of native honeybees. As it has no known predators in the UK it poses a serious risk to biodiversity.

Do you know what they look like? How are they different to the European Hornet?

If you would like more information visit the BBKA Asian Hornet Action Team page or download the Asian Hornet identification PDF. You can also find out more about the Asian yellow-legged hornet’s impact on biodiversity and bees. Asian hornets: What are they and why are they bad for UK bees? - BBC Newsround.