Why join the Ryedale Beekeepers Association?
Education and Training: Ryedale Beekeeping Association (RBKA) offers meetings, seminars, and apiary visits led by experienced beekeepers. These opportunities provide invaluable knowledge about beekeeping techniques, hive management, disease prevention, and more, helping beginners and seasoned beekeepers alike improve their skills.
Networking: Joining a beekeeping association connects you with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for beekeeping. Networking within the association allows members to exchange tips, advice, and resources, fostering a supportive environment where beekeepers can learn from each other’s experiences.
Access to Resources: RBKA has access to resources such as bulk purchasing discounts on syrup and fondant, beekeeping equipment (frames) and co-ordinates annual wax exchange. This collective buying power can help members save money while obtaining high-quality beekeeping essentials.
Community Outreach and Advocacy: RBKA is actively involved in community outreach and education programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of bees and pollinators. Joining provides opportunities to participate in outreach events, school visits, and public demonstrations, advocating for the preservation of bee populations and their crucial role in ecosystems.
Support and Mentoring: Beekeeping can be challenging, especially for beginners. RBKA can offer mentorship where experienced beekeepers guide newcomers through their beekeeping journey. There is a private WhatsApp group providing advice, troubleshooting assistance, and moral support. Being part of such a supportive network can greatly enhance one’s confidence and success as a beekeeper.
Plus:
Through RBKA’s association with the Yorkshire and British Beekeepers Associations, all members gain access to regular webinars, training and structured examinations, BBKA News magazine and visibility of local and national Beekeeping events and Honey Shows.
Registered members also benefit from £10M of public and product liability insurance and Bee Disease Insurance.
Membership runs annually from the AGM in November. If you wish to join at other times of the year, it can be arranged by contacting treasurer@ryedalebees.co.uk.
Subscription fees for 2026 are:
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Registered Member £34.00 – Members of RBKA who are registered with the British Beekeeping Association [BBKA] and Yorkshire Beekeeping Association [YBKA] and have full access to their resources and public liability insurance. This class of membership now also includes bee disease insurance with BDI. This covers three hives initially. BDI premiums are paid in respect of the calendar year, 1st January to 31st December. Insurance cover becomes effective each year from the time that the member’s association receives his or her membership subscription and additional premiums. Further details on the BDI website.
- Insurance BDI premiums added to Registered Member fee to cover additional hives are shown below:
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Up to 5 hives +£1.20
- Up to 10 hives +£4.70
- Up to 15 hives +£7.75
- Up to 20 hives +£9.50
- Up to 25 hives +£11.10
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Up to 30 hives +£13.60
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Up to 35 hives +£16.10
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Up to 39 hives +£18.10
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- Partner Member £24.00 – living at the same address as a Registered Member with the same benefits but no BBKA Newsletter or BDI.
- Associate Member £6.00 – full membership of RBKA aimed at those who:
- Are already a member of another Beekeeping Association,
- Who keep bees but do not wish for YBKA or BBKA affiliation and benefits,
- Those who do not keep bees but have an interest in beekeeping and would like to attend RBKA functions and events.
- Junior Member £7.00 – Junior Members [under 18] may come to indoor meetings and apiary visits. All Junior Members must be accompanied by a responsible adult when attending meetings and visits.
Details of the rights and benefits of the different classes of membership are available as a table [Membership categories 2020]
RBKA Privacy Notice may be found from this link – RBKA Privacy Notice – 25 May 2018
Application for membership to RBKA: For those wishing to join RBKA please complete the webform at the bottom of this page.
A summary of the benefits of each category is available here: Membership categories 2026
Gift Aid form – For existing members who wish to complete a Gift Aid declaration so that RBKA can benefit from its membership of the Yorkshire Beekeepers’ Association, which is a registered charity [download as a Microsoft Word File or view in PDF]
Completed forms should be emailed to: treasurer@ryedalebees.co.uk
AGM and Governance Documents
Past and current AGM Minutes including Chair and Treasurer Reports:
The following Governance documents are available for viewing:
Other Association links of Interest
Bulletins and news may be accessed through the Yorkshire [YBKA] and British [BBKA] Beekeeping Association websites, and following the appropriate links.