All about Reigate Beekeepers

Last Updated on Monday, 07 December 2009 18:01

Reigate Division -  a member of Surrey Beekeepers Association

Learn how to keep Bees - Help the Environment

The Reigate Division of the Surrey Beekeepers Association covers a large area of the south of the County, taking in the approximate boundaries of Dorking, Mole Valley, Leatherhead/Ashstead, Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge Councils, however members come from as far afield as Crawley, Horsham, Epsom, Horley, Caterham, Warlingham, Nutfield, Wescott, Abinger, Capel, Newdigate, Godstone indeed much further on occasions to attend our classes. Several people have travelled from Brighton on different years to undertake our courses, practical and evening classes.

Our aims are to promote and increase the community's understanding of Honey Bees and beekeeping within our environment, by means of demonstrations, teaching and training. Bees are a vital part of our ecology. They pollinate flowers, plants and trees while giving us their valuable gifts of honey and wax.

In addition to the above, the website contains a wealth of bee keeping information and supports UK Beekeepers, and beekeeping countrywide. So even if you from as far afield as Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the website has lots of interesting reading, although some season specific information is best suited to bees in the south of England.

If you have any inquiries on how to find out more about Bees, participate in one of our training programmes, or wish to join the association.

Please contact the Hon Secretary - Telephone number - 01342 842244

or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What we offer and where to find us

• Membership of the Association brings many benefits, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced beekeeper.
• Weekly meetings at our teaching apiary on Box Hill throughout the season (April to August) for both beginners and advanced members.
• Local contacts near you for help and advice.
• Winter Courses available with qualified tuition.
• Varied yearly programme of demonstrations, lectures, social events and visits.
• Visiting advisers for newcomers.
• Shopping facilities for your beekeeping supplies.
• Monthly Newsletter and library facilities.
• Monthly Bee magazine and bi-monthly information sheet "B.B.K.A. News".
• Spray warning scheme.
• Swarm collecting service.
• Annual Honey Show.
• Insurance against Third Party claims and against loss through disease.
• Extracting equipment for hire at a nominal charge.
• Above all, the opportunity to meet other beekeepers and discuss your successes and problems with them.

Swarm Collecting Service

Photograph by Paul Cleaver
All honey bees are becoming increasingly threatened by the parasitic mite Varroa Destructor, and their future survival is solely dependant on man's efforts of intervention and protection.

Photograph by Richard Woodhouse
We need your help in alerting us to all sightings of bee swarms so that the correct collection and protective measures can be taken. Please contact your local Council Environmental Officer, or Police Station who will arrange for a qualified Beekeeper to give suitable advice with respect to the safe removal of the Swarm of Bees.

Alternatively contact our Swarm Co-ordinators Tel - 01737 247395 or 01737 765619