Beekeeping at EDAA

EDAA Beekeeping

Information for Site Members

Currently, two site members have been permitted to keep bees on the allotments on the back field. This activity is governed by regulations agreed by the site committee which can be found below and also at the link http://www.hdaaoxford.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EDAA-Beekeeping-Regulations-2021.pdf

For the benefit of site members, a video about bee behaviour and things to be aware of has been produced and may be accessed via this YouTube link: (283) At Ease with Bees - YouTube

The video includes a section on bee swarms, which can occur in the period between April and June.

Here are links to a light-hearted two-part video about a swarm that was collected and successfully rehived in April 2021:

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/-jALfB-MGMQ

Part 2 - https://youtu.be/8A2myzetQrM

EDEN DRIVE ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION (EDAA) Beekeeping Regulations 2021

1. Site Limits
The overall number of hive installations/apiaries on the allotment site will be limited at the discretion of the Field Secretary in agreement with the site committee.

2. Required Consent
2.1.EDAA plot holders may not introduce beehives onto the allotment site unless first given written consent by the Field Secretary.
2.2.The Field Secretary shall not give consent without the agreement of the EDAA site committee.

3. Required Qualifications
3.1.Applicants for consent to introduce hives onto the site must have had previous experience of beekeeping or have attended a British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) beginners training course.
3.2.All site beekeepers must be members of BBKA and be covered for public liability insurance through that body.
3.3.In order to ensure that their bee colonies are monitored and subject to periodical official inspection, all site beekeepers must be registered on the National Bee Unit’s BeeBase database.
3.4.All beekeepers must keep themselves informed about developments in beekeeping through their local association and networks.
3.5.Inexperienced beekeepers must have a suitably experienced named mentor to whom they can refer for help and advice.

4. Number and Siting of Beehives
4.1.Except as a temporary hive management measure, each beekeeper may not have more than three hives on the site.
4.2.Hives should be sited in such a way as to minimise nuisance and risk to neighbouring plot holders and passers by on the boundary road.
4.3.Hives should be suitably screened so as to encourage the bees to fly upwards as they emerge from their hives.
4.4.Prior to the installation of the hives, the Field Secretary’s agreement to the proposed arrangements must be secured.

5. Hive Management and Site Safety
5.1.Beekeepers must carry out periodical inspections of their hives to ensure the health and wellbeing of the colonies. When they do this, they should advise people working on neighbouring plots that they may notice increased bee activity while this is taking place.
5.2.Beekeepers should take appropriate measures to minimise swarming.
5.3.Should swarms occur and settle on the allotment site, beekeepers must take responsibility for their safe collection.
5.4.When swarms are being collected, people working on neighbouring plots should be advised and reassured.
5.5.In the event of an incident caused by or involving bees, the beekeepers and/or anyone else involved must inform the Field Secretary.

6. Other Plot Holders and Public Notices
6.1.Prospective plot holders being shown round the site by the Field Secretary should be advised of the presence and location of hives on the site so that, in the event that they have concerns or sting allergies, they can be offered a plot at a distance from the hive installations.
6.2.Where other plot holders express interest in seeing the hives at close quarters, it is the responsibility of the beekeepers to ensure that it is safe for them to do so, to escort them and ensure that, at the least, they wear a head covering.
6.3.In the area(s) of the site where hives are situated, notices must be displayed giving the following information:
a. Whom to contact in the event of the occurrence of swarms.
b. What to do in the event of a severe bee sting reaction.
c. The BBKA members’ insurance certificate.

7. Withdrawal of Permission to Keep Bees on the Site
In the event that a beehive installation becomes a serious nuisance to other plot holders, the Field Secretary will seek the advice of the site committee and act appropriately, if necessary by requiring the beekeepers to remove the hives from the site.

8. Vacating a Plot
A beekeeper ceasing to be a plot holder must remove the hives and any screening, etc at the time of surrendering the plot.

These regulations are effective from 10 June 202