There is nothing quite like the collective hum of thousands of passionate beekeepers coming together to share knowledge, celebrate our craft and look toward the future of British apiculture.
Our team recently returned from a fantastic weekend at the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Spring Convention and we wanted to share a brief reflection on our time there. For us, events like this are not just an entry in the diary; they are a vital space to reconnect with our community, support scientific collaboration and champion the future of our native pollinators.
A Heartfelt Family Return to Harper Adams
This year’s convention was particularly special for our family, as it was hosted once again by Harper Adams University in Shropshire. As alumni, it is always an absolute pleasure for both Jack (my husband and business partner) and I to return to the beautiful campus we once called home. Walking those grounds always reminds me of the early days when the dream of Buckley’s Bees was just beginning to form.
Over my father David’s lifetime of more than eighty years in apiculture, our family has learned that reversing the decline of the native honeybee (Apis mellifera mellifera) requires a deep commitment to shared learning. That is why we were so honoured to deliver four engaging, packed-out talks over the course of the weekend.
Dad and I spoke directly with hobbyists, commercial apiarists and environmentalists about our dedicated closed-breeding systems, our focus on gentle and hygienic native traits and how we can holistically balance local habitats so managed hives exist in perfect harmony with wild pollinators.
Continuing the Education
A massive, heartfelt thank you to every single person who secured a seat and attended one of our lectures. The energy in the rooms was truly inspiring. For those who weren’t able to get a place this time, or if you are completely new to apiculture and want to start your own journey, please do get in touch with us! We have plenty of educational courses and hands-on experience days coming up at our Cheshire farm HQ throughout the season.
Community, Conservation, and Collaboration
Our motivation at Buckley’s Bees has never been driven by profit; it is fuelled by a genuine, passionate desire to safeguard the British countryside. As registered members of the BBKA and the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders’ Association (BIBBA), we actively support a range of critical scientific studies focused on bee welfare and disease resistance.
Conventions like this are the lifeblood of that scientific network. It was wonderful to catch up with our incredible, UK-wide team of freelance beekeepers, exchange ideas with our corporate customers and forge new friendships with people who share our evidence-based belief in the extraordinary good that honeybees do in the world.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the BBKA for organising another flawlessly executed, brilliant event and to Harper Adams University for being such spectacular hosts. Together, step by step, we are educating communities, training future generations of traditional beekeepers and securing a stronger, blossom-rich future for our native bees.
Get Involved with Buckley’s Bees
Whether you want to follow in our footsteps and learn the traditional craft of beekeeping, or you are a business looking to boost your local biodiversity by hosting a fully managed hive, we would love to welcome you on board.
Explore Our Upcoming Beekeeping Courses or contact our team today to discover how you can get your hands dirty and help us save the British bee.