Toolkit-2
When seeking information about beekeeping, especially online, there is a huge amount of “information” often implying that everything—whether bees or their management—is the same whatever the location in the world. This has partly led to the “beekeeping by numbers”, or “one size fits all” approach that has dominated teaching and learning of the craft in the 21st century.
This coincided with a worldwide rapid increase in the number of people entering beekeeping, resulting in a shortage of experienced beekeepers able to pass on their knowledge and skills to beginners.
Without sound guidance, many beekeepers—often inexperienced—turn to the internet to learn about the craft. While there is some very good and reliable information available online, there is also a great deal that is, at best, unreliable for reasons that may not be obvious to a novice.
Why “One Size Fits All” Doesn’t Work
Many beekeepers do not realise that beekeeping is often highly regional and seasonal, influenced by climate, forage, altitude, soil type, and other local factors. Conditions can vary significantly over just a few miles. There are many cases of beekeepers keeping the same type of bees in different locations, yet finding that management requirements and outcomes are quite different.
Timing is also critical. A colony needing attention in April may require very different management if in the same condition in August. In addition, the type of bees kept matters: different strains and subspecies have different traits, which may call for different approaches.
Advances in our understanding of varroa resistance also need to be properly understood if we are to reduce reliance on chemical treatments. For all these reasons, we need more than the rigid, straight-line thinking that underpins much so-called “standard” information and teaching.
Supporting Those Who Teach
There is little or no structured help for those involved in teaching beekeeping, many of whom are themselves relatively inexperienced. As a result, they often rely on whatever information they can glean—some of which is aimed more at helping beekeepers pass examinations than at meeting the wider needs of the craft.
BIBBA recognises the high level of commitment freely given by many teachers, demonstrators, and apiary managers and teams. This toolkit has therefore been introduced to help them deepen their own understanding of honey bees.
It includes information drawn from reliable sources that may not be found in the usual recommended places. The aim is to help beekeepers broaden their knowledge and skills, so they can understand their bees better and work with them—rather than simply following instructions from books or the internet without understanding why.
To encourage and support beekeepers to produce bees and queens that are locally adapted and varroa resistant, rather than relying on imported stock that may lack these characteristics.
What This Toolkit Is — and Is Not
This toolkit is not BIBBA telling others what to do in a dogmatic way. It is a resource designed to support beekeepers of all abilities and interests.
It functions primarily as a signposting service, directing users to sound, reliable material so that individuals can choose what they need. It will be expanded as time permits, and users are encouraged to return regularly or register to receive updates.
Much of the information about honey bees and their management is freely available, and all beekeepers are welcome to access it. Resources intended for those involved in teaching are also openly accessible and can be found here (Nick Link).
There is additional material specifically for teachers, apiary managers, and BKA officials—or for those considering taking on such roles. BIBBA recognises that not everyone will teach in the same way or agree with everything presented, but we hope the toolkit will be helpful in some way, even if adapted to suit individual needs.
Access to registered-only material is available to those who sign up, with updates provided by email. You may de-register at any time if you wish.
