Surrey Beekeepers’ Association
– Croydon Division
Croydon Beekeepers’ Association is a small friendly group of local beekeepers with around 100 members and is one of the eight Divisions that make up the Surrey Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA). We have a long and respected history of beekeeping dating back to 1879 when Croydon was one of the three founding associations of the Surrey Beekeepers’ Association.
The other Surrey Divisions are: Epsom, Farnham, Guildford, Kingston, Reigate, Weybridge and Wimbledon.
Members of Croydon are automatically members of the Surrey Beekeepers’ Association. Collectively Surrey Beekeepers’ Association has over 1,000 members across the county and is affiliated to the British Beekeepers’ Association with around 24,000 members across the UK and international links.
Beekeeping is an ancient craft and never before has it been so important. Honeybees not only provide honey and beeswax but are one of the most important pollinators of flowers and crops. One out of every three forkfuls of food that we eat is pollinated by honey bees, and their value to UK agriculture along with other pollinators is calculated at £430 million. There are many threats to the health of our bees, including pesticides, loss of habitat, and the accidental introduction of pests and diseases from abroad.
Our mission
“To promote the craft of beekeeping and to provide education about the vital importance of bees in the environment.”
What we do
We aim to achieve our objectives through the following activities:
Promoting the craft of beekeeping . . . through activities aimed at new and existing beekeepers in Croydon:
- Regular practical training sessions in our teaching apiary in Purley (twice monthly during the summer)
- Workshops for beekeepers from complete beginners to those working towards becoming a Master Beekeeper
- Access to Surrey Training events – these are specialist events open to beekeepers across Surrey
- Loan of specialist equipment and books, microscopes, extraction equipment etc.
- Mentoring by experienced beekeepers
- Annual Croydon Show to give local beekeepers a chance to demonstrate their skills.
Education about the vital importance of bees . . .
Giving talks to local community groups. We can offer a range of talks tailored to the needs of both youth and adult groups. Email info@croydonbeekeepers.org.uk for further details.
- Providing a stand at local fairs and fetes.
- Participating with local press work
- Providing information via our website including information on local events and links to national websites
- Working with other local organisations in the arena of environment and conservation.