Guildford Beekeepers

There are 8 Divisions that make up Surrey Beekeepers Association, of which Guildford is the largest. The main objective of Surrey Beekeepers Association Guildford Division is to promote and further the craft of beekeeping in Surrey. Surrey Beekeepers Association has been doing this since 1879. Guildford Division itself was founded in 1920 – 100 years of expertise at our fingertips.

Many of our Members have had years of practical beekeeping and this experience is a valuable resource. We are the most experienced beekeeping group in the Guildford area. The Committee that runs the Division has more than 150 years of beekeeping between them. Others are newcomers to the craft and bring with them much enthusiasm to their new-found hobby.

All beekeepers aim to provide the optimum conditions to keep their bees healthy and in peak condition so that they can perform their natural purpose of pollinating plants and provide a surplus of valuable honey each year. GBKA helps its members do that by providing up to date information and links to the latest research into honey bee husbandry.  This is done via a monthly Newsletter, practical meetings at the Association Apiary, Garden Meetings at Members’ own apiaries and talks and lectures held at venues around the Guildford Division area. 

Guildford Beekeepers Association (GBKA) has been running both Theory and Practical Courses for many years and our experience in this field is exemplary. We take pride in providing a solid grounding during the 8-week courses – time that is needed to grasp the basics, gain experience and have the confidence to manage bees throughout the year.  The Theory course starts in January and runs for 9 weeks, partly via Zoom and partly at the Association’s Apiary near Bramley.  The Practical Course starts in mid-April and is usually held on Saturdays at our lovely Association Apiary near Bramley where we have fantastic facilities in our own Barn. 

Guildford Division is also very keen to encourage new members to take the British Beekeeping Association examinations so that they have the confidence to advance their beekeeping. All new beekeepers who have taken our courses have the support of other members of the Guildford Division whom they can call at any time for help and advice or maybe just a chat over the phone about a problem. The Committee are always available by phone or e-mail.