Unlock the opportunity to enhance your beekeeping skills and contribute to local bee populations through our exciting Silver Bee Programme, made possible by a generous legacy from Alan Silver to North Staffs BKA.
Why Participate?
The committee is dedicated to addressing the risks associated with importing queens and honey bees, as most commercially available queens are either imports or their first-generation offspring. By participating in this programme, you can make a significant impact:
- Adaptation: Local bees naturally adapt to their environment, increasing their success rate.
- Varroa Resistance: By selecting to raise queens from your best stock, you actively contribute to breeding bees that are resilient to varroa mites.
- Protect Our Bees: By not importing bees, you help minimize the risk of introducing pests like small hive beetle and tropilaelaps into our ecosystems.
What We Offer:
- Support and Resources: The association is here to assist members who want to raise queens from their own stock, whether for personal use or to sell to fellow members.
- Equipment Loan: Selected participants will receive two polynucs on loan, along with comprehensive guidance on their effective use.
- Commitment to Local Breeding: To be accepted, members must agree not to purchase imported queens and bees.
- Production Requirement: Stay in the programme by producing at least one nuc each year, for your own use or for sale.
- Fair Pricing: Set your own prices for sold nucs, ensuring they are fair rates.
- Nuc Return Policy: If you borrow the nucs, please return them in clean, sound condition if:
- They are not used effectively during the season.
- You discontinue your membership with NSBKA.
- On request after several seasons, allowing more members to benefit from this fantastic initiative.
Join us in fostering a thriving local bee community and enhancing your beekeeping journey!