Apiary Rules

East Waterford Beekeepers Association(EWBA)

Apiary Rules (adopted at AGM 21/11/18)

  1. Only bees of the Native Irish Honey Bee strain (Apis Melifera Melifera) will be kept in the EWBA Apiary, and the Association is committed to the preservation of this strain of bee.
  2. The AGM of EWBA on 21/11/18 will elect an apiary manager, who will be responsible for the day to day running of the apiary. Extra members can be nominated to this management team, if required during the year.
  3. The Association apiary is the responsibility of the EWBA. It is very important in the long term, that the maintenance of the Apiary is shared by members of the Association
  4. The Association apiary is solely for beekeeping education.
  5. Bee health is of paramount importance to the apiary and therefore;
  • No Personal equipment i.e. hive tools, smokers etc. allowed into the apiary.
  • Gloves are a major cause of disease spread. Surgical gloves are the preference but a very clean pair of household gloves is acceptable. The heavy thick leather gloves are not allowed into the apiary.
  • Minimum protective equipment is a veil. All suits should be regularly washed.
  • Anyone suffering from any bee allergies or medical conditions should make it know to the lecturer
  • Sample of bees and brood from the Association apiary hives will be sent for diagnostic examination each year.
  • Association colonies will be tested and treated for varroa infestation at least once a year.
  • Only association bees and hives are allowed in the apiary. Members may not bring in bees, hives or bait hives, even on a short term.
  1. Access to the Association apiary will be by invitation of the apiary manager only or on announced open days.
  2. All honey harvested from hives in the Association apiary is the property of the Association and moneys from the sale of honey, bees or hives will be given to the Association treasurer.
  3. EWBA is responsible for the payment of rent and the provision of insurance.
  4. The Association undertakes to alert beginner and established beekeepers to the dangers of hypersensitivity to bee stings.
  5. It is the aim of the Association that the apiary becomes a model of biodiversity, with trees and shrubs attractive to bees and wildlife planted in its vicinity. However, the Association does not wish to encourage wasps, due to the danger to honeybee colonies.
  6. The EWBA will be registered with the DAFM and will comply with current regulations, including the recording of treatments administered.
  7. Regarding the management of the apiary, the decision of the manager is final.
  8. Any breach of the apiary rules will be dealt with in accordance with the constitution of the association.