The New Forest & District Beekeepers’ Association represents the interests of beekeepers and beekeeping in the the New Forest and surrounding area. We are one of the largest beekeeping associations in England and we are affiliated to the Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association and the British Beekeepers’ Association.
The New Forest & District Beekeepers Association serves those in the New Forest and surrounding area who are experienced beekeepers, beginners who want to start beekeeping and need instruction, and anyone who wishes to be associated with bees and beekeeping in the New Forest area, including members of neighbouring beekeeping associations.
The New Forest & District Beekeepers’ Association is run by enthusiastic beekeepers. We hold introductory beekeeping courses, practical beekeeping sessions, apiary visits and have a programme of talks and social events throughout the year. We also have some beekeeping equipment (eg. honey extractors) which is available for loan to members.
The New Forest & District Beekeepers Association is committed to educating the public about bees and to improving the beekeeping skills of individual beekeepers. Much of our public contact occurs at the New Forest Show, which takes place at the end of July each year at New Park, Brockenhurst, where visitors may experience live bees, meet beekeepers and see a wide range of bee related displays and products in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere. We also have a mobile observation hive, purchased with the aid of a grant from the New Forest National Park Authority, which is used in support of our educational work in schools and at other venues.
Our bees have a wide range of forage as the New Forest contains a rich variety of trees and flowers, including heather, which is claimed by many to produce the best tasting honey. This, and our milder weather, means that the beekeeping season is longer and often more productive than in other parts of the country.