Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association

The Hampshire Beekeepers Association (HBA) was established in 1883, along with the Isle of Wight Beekeepers Association (IWBKA). Initially, they were a joint association, known as H&IWBKA. Later, the Isle of Wight became a separate association. HBA is one of the largest associations in the country and has been operating for 142 years.

HBA Library Services

The HBA library, established in 1884, is a valuable resource for HBA members who want to learn more about beekeeping. It contains thousands of books on various aspects of this fascinating hobby.

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HBA Queen Rearing 2026

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Information

HBA Members Area

Being an HBA member grants you full access to the members’ area, which is password protected. There, you can enjoy exclusive promotions and discounts, as well as learning and best practice resources.

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County Events

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Local Associations

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Membership

Membership Includes

Bee Disease Insurance

Local Beekeeping Associations

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Associations

New beekeepers can join one of the fourteen local associations in Hampshire, which offer various benefits and opportunities. These include apiary training days, support for BBKA Exams and Modules, and social events such as BBQs and Christmas Dinners. By joining an association, you become part of a support network that will help you throughout your beekeeping journey.

The History Of HBA

Founded 141 years ago, Hampshire is one of the largest beekeeping associations in the country. Discover more about Hampshire Beekeepers Associations.

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Beginners Courses

Whether you want to become a beekeeper or simply learn more about honeybees, you can join one of the beginner’s courses offered by our 14 local associations near you.

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Improvers Courses

If you are a Hampshire Beekeeper and you want to improve your skills, you can check out the local associations that offer courses for improvers.

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BBKA Modules & Exams

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beekeeper, the BBKA can help you enhance your knowledge and skills with various modules and courses. Enjoy the benefits of this rewarding hobby.

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Yellow Legged (Asian) Hornet

The Yellow Legged (Asian) Hornet (aka Vespa Velutina) is a threat to the UK. This page will help you recognize them, report them and safeguard yourself and your honeybees. You will also find public resources and general information here.

Online Reporting
Learn more.

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Credit: Picture from Bayer @ researchbayer.com 

Varroa Mite

The Varroa Destructor Mite is a common pest that affects many bee colonies in the United Kingdom. You can protect your bees from this threat by following an Integrated Pest Management Plan. Learn how to implement this plan and keep your colonies healthy.

NBU Record →
Learn more.

BBKA News

  • Speakers List
    Enhance your activities and extend your educational programme by booking a speaker. Tips for looking after your speakers:  Make contact with potential speakers well in advance, many are booked up […]
  • Pollinator Science Project
    The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA), in collaboration with the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS), is currently developing a new, FREE, fully resourced educational project designed to support schools in exploring […]

The Apiarist

  • On the cusp …
    Early hive inspections — and why you shouldn't — some thoughts on variable spring weather and progress in predicting swarming, and how the accuracy of the waggle dance varies depending […]
  • Bigger queens, better queens … and easier queens
    Colonies are highly selective when choosing larvae to rear queen. Standard (grafting-based) queen rearing methods are not. In this post I briefly discuss the science of larval selection, and then […]

Members Blogs

Members of Hampshire Beekeepers Association share their insights and experiences on beekeeping through blogs. These blogs are intended for beekeepers from the fourteen local associations affiliated with Hampshire Beekeepers Association.

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Contact HBA Support

If you encounter any mistakes or missing information on the website, or if you want to contribute a blog or article to the website, please reach out to support.

webmaster@hampshirebeekeepers.org.uk

Recent Posts

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    Richard Skinner

    HBA Queening Rearing Course 2026 (SOLD OUT) Back by popular demand, learn how to raise your own queen bees like a pro at our queen rearing course. Welcome to the HBA Queen Rearing Course! The course is scheduled for two consecutive days, the 16th and 17th of May. It adheres…

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    Richard Skinner

    BBKA November Talk: ‘Becoming a Show Judge’  The next in our series of Zoom talks will be ‘Becoming a Show Judge’ with Shirley Bond on Tuesday 18th November 2025 at 7pm.  A recording of this talk will be available afterwards on the learning platform, along with recordings of all previous…

  • Honey-Sweetened Sloe Gin Recipe

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    Richard Skinner

    Honey-Sweetened Sloe Gin Recipe So, what will you need: Now the fun part, the method: How should you serve this: Why use honey?:

British Beekeepers Association

For 150 years, the British Beekeepers Association has been serving beekeepers since its formation in 1874. Learn more about its history and achievements here.

Hampshire Beekeepers Association

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