The falconry world have introduced a lantra scheme. In reality, it is just a method of trying to teach common sense, which many people seem to have none. The reson for the scheme is due to the likes of Harry Potter, and youngsters wanting to keep owls in unsuitable conditions.
'Finding nemo' was more damaging to the marine fish industry than anything before it.
Why do people want to keep bees? Fashion? media frenzy? Both of these will die down if allowed to do so. (As has the finding nemo disaster)
The BBKA are complaining there are too many novices starting up in towns and cities, will shoot themselves in the feet. 'If' the uk introduces the US system of no bees in urban areas, the bbka will lose many of its members... talk about lack of common sense!
If there is a licensing system, it will only be a revenue generator for someone.
If licenesing through 'approved or recognised' training, how are these approvals recognised, and by who. We all know the certificate given by a training course means nothing except to those who have performed it.
Don't get me wrong, any form of training is usually a help. Beekeeping is like driving. You pass your test, then you learn to drive.
I have assisted many 'trained' beekeepers that know little more than the basics, some of which can't tell the difference between a solitary extended drone cell in an obscure position and a qc.
'If' a new beekeeper does not receive training they will muddle through or give up. If they have a freindly beekeeper to hand, they can help with the questions or uncertain times.(sorry to those that do, but I believe the best assistance is given by people who don't charge for it and want to help for the right reasons) Traditionally, this is how it was always done. I am sure Brother Adam did not go on an 'approved beekeeping course', and learnt exactly where on the skip you place your matchstick.
'Approval' can only be measured by success, but then needs a yardstick. A two hive beekeeper may offer basic training, but even then statistically has very little experience.
'Forcing' people by licensing to perform tasks in a specific way restricts the evolution and improvement of the hobby.
... i could have simply said, no to licensing!
Much legislation that is intended to make our lives safer, cheaper, more efficient, more open to scrutiny, more 'just about anything' serve to do nothing except the exact opposite of what they are intended to do. Just people sat in ivory towers looking to justify their existence and have no feet in the real world ...and their heads up their rear sections.
