Out Apiary...

[mattsbees]

I'm feeling a bit upset/ annoyed. When I started beekeeping I approached a local farmer myself, they were glad to have me down there and allowed me to keep bees on their farm. Then, before I took a hive down I got a call from the farmer telling me there had been a mix up and another person had also been approaching them at the same time, turns out it was the association arranging it on behalf of one of the members. They said they didn't mind us down there though so as a compromise I went along with it so there would be two people keeping bees on that site. I knew the other guy so didn't mind, although i thought it not ideal. Just recently in their quest for new members the association are advertising this site to all their members telling them they can keep bees down there as one of their "out apiary facilities".

I have spoken to the farmer who says he wasn't aware of any agreement but I suspect his father has arranged something with the association.

They are now constantly advertising there are bees down there (mine of course) to anyone who comes along.

Another thing, the farmer asked me to help at an open day, the association got wind of this and because I had agreed, I got hauled over the coals being told it should have gone through the committee, although it required no input from them, nor had anything to do with them, it was an agreement between the farmer and myself.

I am worried if different people are coming and going off the site then it risks security, people could be bringing in bees from unreliable sources and that my hives get tampered with.

I class my agreement with the farm as direct and not through the association although they are claiming it isn't. I keep getting told by them it's "all about teamwork". I wasn't told of any agreement, their attitude is very much they got there first so they are just letting me use it.

I don't want to upset either party, I just feel in the middle and don't want to put my bees at risk by the actions of others.

Can you offer any advice? Am I worrying about nothing? Should I look for another site and move my bees? I'm not even getting consulted about anything!

 

[Monsieur Abeille]

Sounds like a continual opportunity for grief, open to disease and lack of security. Find another site.

 

[Heather]

I would move - if they have more bees there also a risk of disease. Bound to be other places you can go. And if they ask tell them why- they sound arrogant to me.

 

[greatbritishhoney]

I would definitely find another site. It sounds like you will never get a suitable resolution. Maybe ask the farmer if he knows of anyone else who would be willing tohave bees on their land.

 

[Poly Hive]

A complete piece of nonsense.
Move your bees to a site that you have found yourself.

Endless grief in store otherwise.

Finding sites is not that difficult it just requires time and some patience.

PH

 

[Luminos]

Are you actually a member of the association?

 

[mattsbees]

Yes I am a member, but not on the committee and do not want to get involved in politics because it takes the enjoyment away!

 

[Onge]

Find another association and leave that site. What a bunch of @£$%%^

 

[Queens59]

I have an out apiary at a local farm - at the farmer's request...Ask around, I think farmers are all becoming far more enthusiastic about bees. They may just be waiting for a request. Try putting a sign on a board somewhere like Mole Valley Farmers or any farmers supply depot...even the parish magazine. Good-luck!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Whereabouts in the country are you? someone on here may be able to help if they know where you're looking

 

[Swarm]

A good reason for the suggestion about out apiary sites posted on this forum?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

 

[luckydunny]

Find another association and leave that site. What a bunch of @£$%%^

Do it and do it sooner rather than later - their loss!!!

 

[dpearce4]

Do it and do it sooner rather than later - their loss!!!

and do it before it becomes your loss. not thiers.

 

[nosmoking]

Do it and do it sooner rather than later - their loss!!!

And don't tell anyone where it is!

 

[hallshoney]

I dropped out of my local association 10 years ago had thought about rejoining this spring but this story has remined me why i have not missed them

 

[Luminos]

Yes I am a member, but not on the committee and do not want to get involved in politics because it takes the enjoyment away!

I think if it were me, I'd quietly let my membership expire, and find somewhere else for my bees.

 

[mattsbees]

Thanks everyone for your advice, I have already changed my membership to the bbka (I know they get loads of stick on here) and wifey is going to stay as a member of them.

I think the plan is, find another site I can start off next season, and if things get bad down there pull off. At the moment nobody has shown any interest and it is an organic farm which is a bonus.

I have gone with the bbka so they have got less hold over me, the only thing I want to maintain is the local contacts.

They also may have competition on their hands next season for swarm collection because I'll be working hard to take a few!!!

 

[dpearce4]

good on you matt.

Make sure you inform the local fuzz and council and people like rentokil that you are now a swarm collector. But if contacted make sure you go otherwise they will push u down the list.

 

[mattsbees]

Well there are some people who currently have just about the monopoly!! He he! It's open to everyone, a straight forward procedure, I'm health and safety savvy and have public liability. Should be a case of them who work hardest reap the reward! After all there is competition in business!