Welcome to Airedale Beekeeping Association
Members of Airedale Beekeepers Association, part of Yorkshire
Beekeepers Association and affiliated to the British Beekeepers
Assocation have been looking after bees in the Aire Valley since 1908. We are based in Keighley and have two Association apiaries for demonstration and teaching purposes.
We have around 60 established members and 20 beginners.
Every year we hold a 6-week beginners course starting in March which then becomes weekly apiary visits at weekends. We help and encourage our beginners to get started with beekeeping and can offer expert advice for as long as it is needed. Our aim is to encourage beginners and to aid established beekeepers to become more proficient by keeping up with the latest techniques. We encourage established members to consider taking the BBKA’s Basic Assessment. Summers tend to be spent looking after our bees but we do hold a biennial auction of beekeeping equipment. We make up for any lack of social events in the summer by holding a series of meetings and lectures through the winter months when the bees are tucked up in their hives.
We have an excellent relationship with the National Trust at East Riddlesden Hall. We attend their open days and Christmas Fair and are able to make use of the beautiful Grade II listed Airedale Barn for some of our events.
If you have ever considered keeping bees but are a little unsure we do offer “taster” sessions in our apiaries. You can try handling bees in a safe environment to help you decide whether beekeeping may be for you. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the wonderful and absorbing world of the Honeybee!