About the SRBA Apiary at Thrybergh Park
Following the sudden closure of the Earth Centre, a new site for the association apiary was found at the beautiful Thrybergh Country Park, and in the spring of 2005, the hives were moved there. With the assistance of Business Link South Yorkshire’s Rural Business Growth Programme, which is supported by Objective 1 and Defra, the site has been cleared of undergrowth, levelled and terraced. A substantial fence now surrounds the area so the site is safe and secure. New equipment has been purchased for new members to use, bee suits for use at open days and demonstrations and a fully refurbished honey house for processing honey.
The aim is to provide a model apiary which can be used as a teaching ground for beginners and potential beekeepers, in particular local farmers. The site will provide a place for people to learn the craft of beekeeping and to get ‘hands on’ experience.
This year, in conjunction with Thrybergh Country Park, we have had two open days to which members of the public and anyone interested in beekeeping were invited. They were able to look into the hives and ask questions.
Also this year, we have had two days of practical sessions aimed at beginners which involved cleaning up and assembling equipment in preparation for the spring.
The dozen or so association hives are managed by Ian Coates.
Some hives have been used for queen rearing, and some for honey production. Thanks to the continued hard work and dedication of Bill Spence, the queen rearing programme is geared to selecting and rearing queens with desirable qualities with a view to producing better bees. Queens and nucs have been offered for sale to members and non members.
Some hives are moved to the borage crop in East Yorkshire and then to the moors above Stocksbridge for the heather.
The honey is sold in the shop at Thrybergh Country Park. We are very proud of our apiary and look forward to the future.
If you have an interest in bees and beekeeping, why not contact us to find out about the benefits of becoming a member of the SRBA.
If you would like any further information, please contact us using the details on this website.
