Membership

We are currently transitioning to a new membership system, whilst this is in progress please enquire about membership by emailing wsbka@yahoo.co.uk.

Benefits of membership

Beekeeping can be a very solitary activity, but joining an association enables you to keep in touch with others locally and keep informed. This is also essential for bee health, especially if there is a challenge such as disease or predators such as the Asian hornet. It can also enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of keeping bees.

As a member of West Suffolk BKA, you automatically become a member of the Suffolk Beekeeping Association. This association comprises six branches, and you are welcome to attend most of the events and meetings organised by the other branches.

If you sign up for full membership, you automatically become a registered British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) member, and your beekeeping activities will be covered by 3rd party liability insurance. You will receive their monthly magazine to help keep you informed about beekeeping nationally and globally.

Our newsletter is published three or four times yearly and is available directly to members via email.

We run an Apiary at Nowton, Bury St Edmunds, open to members at fixed times during the summer.
Our flourishing Education programme gets new beekeepers off to a flying start, after which they can join our mentorship scheme. During the winter, we hold monthly meetings, with a programme of talks and the chance for members to catch up on each other’s bee news.

Nuclei (new colonies) of bees or swarms can be supplied depending upon availability.

Extractor loan

We have two manual, tangential extractors for hire for a small remittance. Please email Francis Gibson or call 01359 250282 for more details.

Club library

The Association maintains a well curated selection of old and new publications available to members borrow.