About

We are very supportive of the AYCLIFFE BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION (The ABKA) which was founded in 2019. This association provides a no nonsense, no frills route in to beekeeping with the primary aim being to help as many enthusiasts as possible to get in to beekeeping. The ABKA is a well established group of beekeepers dedicated to the promotion of beekeeping in the South Durham area. Their meetings take place at the Eco-Centre on Moore Lane and at the Oak Leaf Sports Centre in Newton Aycliffe....both are fantastic facilities. The Oak Leaf leisure complex also provide meals which members can enjoy before or after meetings and where we can relax in the bar for a drink whilst quizzing the experts about beekeeping problems. The ABKA also run a teaching Apiary at the St. Oswald's Allotments site at Hylton Close DL5 4BA where they meet each week on a Monday evening between May and September at 6pm.

There’s no doubt that, without bees we humans would struggle to survive.  Pollinating insects (of which the honey bee is the master) are responsible for pollinating 1/3 of the world’s food supplies. Everyone needs to think carefully about what we can do to help the planet and becoming a beekeeper is one of the ways we can all make a positive contribution....it's actually easier than you might think!

If you would like to learn more about how to get into beekeeping the ABKA contacts are:

Steve Jenkins (Secretary): secretary.aycliffebka@gmail.com (Tel: 07825 980692) or

Rev. Nick Barker (Chairman & Membership Secretary): membership.aycliffebka@gmail.com

(Tel: 07825 980692)

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COURSES

The ABKA run courses for new beekeepers twice a year in the Autumn (October) and Spring (April/May).  If you are interested in learning more about beekeeping then this is where you should start. You can contact the ABKA Education Officer (Chris Barker) at training.aycliffebka@gmail.com or give him a call on 07421 471581. We are now inviting new members to enrol for the next course which will take place in the Autumn 2024.

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​FRESH LOCAL HONEY
            The bees kept by the ABKA and it’s members produce honey twice during the season. Honey bee colonies are maintained in local apiaries in and around Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and Brafferton.  Honey is great for alleviating problems associated with allergies such as hay fever - its one of the oldest foods known to man and has been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs well over 2,000 years old and still edible. We have been keeping bees in County Durham and North Yorkshire for over 20 years. By buying local honey (important if you need it to help with allergies etc) you are helping to maintain a long tradition whereby  local beekeepers can develop the art of beekeeping and ancillary crafts. Your support will also help maintain the vast population of bees needed for pollinating crops and safeguard the environmental well-being in this country. It requires flights covering over 35,000 miles or nearly a million trips by the bees to fill one 8oz jar. PURE COMB HONEY  is honey in its purest form, straight from the hive and has not been strained or heated.

PRICE LIST

         You can dowload a copy of our latest price list by clicking on the following link

          Price List 2024