Our Apiary
Planning the apiary tasks needed to be done that morning.
For many years the NSBKA has had its own apiary facilities at Wood Road in Longsdon near Leek - ST9 9QB (Link to Map). The facilities we have there will allow you to emerse gently into the practical aspects of beekeeping. Together with expert guidance and tutalidge we will enable you to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence before embarking upon the important step of keeping your own bees and hopefully producing your own honey!
During the weekly apiary meetings a range of seasonal beekeeping skills are demonstrated and explained. These are very much hands on practical based sessions covering such subjects as:
- understanding colony and hive structure,
- practical handling and colony inspection techniques,
- recognising and understanding bee behaviour,
- disease recognition, treatment and management,
- bee husbandry and colony management,
- queen identification, marking, introduction and rearing,
- swarm condition recognition and control methods,
- methods to increase your stock,
- uniting colonies,
- feeding methods including knowing what to feed, how much and when.
- advice on setting up and running an apiary,
These sessions also give the opportunity for beginners to become familiar with beekeeping terminology and to use a wide range of beekeeping tools and equipment. You will also make some useful contacts and good friends along the way.
Instruction being given in brood frame inspection methods.
You can generally find members at the apiary from about 10 am on Saturday mornings starting in April through to October. It is always advisable to check with other members prior to attending as sometimes, especially during show and holiday season, timings may be altered.
Bees being taken to populate the observation hive colony.
We currently have 13 colonies at the apiary. Some of them will be used as starter colonies for new beekeepers next season. Any surplus honey is extracted and bottled by our members and made available for sale to the public at any of the events we attend during the year.
You should only attend the apiary if you are prepared to accept the risk of being stung
Click to see our apiary record card
For apiary information email Apiary Manager
© North Staffordshire Beekeepers Association.