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Taking care of honeybees in the Aire Valley since 1908

About us

Airedale Beekeepers Association (ABKA) was started in 1908.  We are affiliated to Yorkshire Beekeepers and the British Beekeepers Association and our area spans the Aire Valley from Bingley and Baildon to as far as Skipton.

Get involved

Beekeeping is fascinating but a big responsibility! If you are interested in keeping bees, find out more about what is involved on our 'Want to be a Beekeeper?' page.'

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Swarms

During swarm season we can provide advice and help manage swarms, but only within our own Association area in the Aire valley (roughly from Bingley to just south of Skipton). Please read our swarms page carefully before contacting us.

Membership

Our members enjoy the Association's support plus events, talks and access to the loan of equipment.  We have several membership categories depending on experience.  Click to contact our Membership Secretary.

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Asian Hornet

The arrival of Asian Hornets in the UK is a growing threat to native bees and honey bees in the UK.  Find out more in our recent presentation or go to our News page to download the Asian Hornet app to report sightings. 

ABKA Honey Show 2024
Bees at Cliffe Castle, Keighley

Airedale Beekeepers maintains the popular honeybee colony in the demonstration hive at Cliffe Castle in Keighley during the summer.  Although the bees are now safely tucked up for winter away from Cliffe Castle, you can still read about their season in our bee blog

About local honey

The honey our beekeepers produce in the Aire Valley is 100% local and an entirely natural product.  Nothing added and nothing taken away.  

 

Most of the cheaper honey in your local supermarket is sourced in bulk from many countries and blended, so its origin cannot be put on the label. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't even pure honey.  So, buy local where you can, but expect to pay a little more for the good stuff!

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