Essex Beekeepers’ Association (EBKA) aims to promote and further the craft of beekeeping.

The EBKA currently has more than 800 members, some with many decades of practical beekeeping experience, while others are newcomers to the craft, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to their new-found hobby.

We are a friendly and active association of hobbyist beekeepers throughout Essex, sharing a common interest in:

• Learning about and caring for bees
• Producing high quality honey
• Producing beeswax products
• Encouraging more people to join us in our hobby

Membership of the Essex Beekeepers’ Association is through local groups, known as divisions, in: Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Dengie & Maldon, Epping Forest, Harlow, Romford, Southend and Saffron Walden. These local groups meet on a regular basis, to share knowlege and experiences, run beekeeping courses and social events.

Beekeeping is very rewarding, with plenty to learn from other beekeepers and even more from the bees themselves. New members are always welcome, so if you are interested in finding out more, please contact your local group.

The EBKA produces a monthly magazine called The Essex Beekeeper giving details of future events, as well as news & views around the Essex beekeeping community. To advertise in The Essex Beekeeper, contact Jean Smye at editor@ebka.org. Additional sources of information for new beekeepers include the British Beekeepers’ Assocation website, and their official journal Bee Craft.

Members also enjoy insurance cover on their bees against disease through the BDI scheme (the BBKA membership gives personal and product liability insurance); as well as access to the association library and help and assistance in all beekeeping pursuits.