Friends of the Apiary
A Friendly Way to Learn and Care for Our Bees
Hands-on Beekeeping, Shared Learning, and Good Company
Friends of the Apiary is a friendly and informal group for members who enjoy spending time at the association apiary, getting hands-on with beekeeping and helping care for our shared hives. It’s a relaxed way to learn, build confidence, and enjoy good company, while supporting the work of the association and the health of our locally adapted Welsh Black Bees.
About the Association Apiary
The association apiary is located near Chwilog and plays a central role in the life of LLEBKA. It is carefully managed to support learning, conservation, and community, with the following aims:
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To provide a welcoming space for seasonal meetings, friendship, and shared experience
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To act as a teaching apiary for members
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To produce and maintain healthy, locally adapted bees
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To raise locally adapted queens and nucs for members
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To produce honey for sale and demonstrate honey-handling processes
See photos of our beekeeping community here,
Life at the Apiary
Each year there are usually two open meetings early in the season, followed by two further meetings during the honey harvest and preparation for winter. These events are open to members and guests and offer opportunities to learn, observe, and enjoy time together around the hives.
Between these meetings, however, there is plenty of ongoing work. Managing colonies means responding to swarming instincts, supporting breeding, monitoring forage and honey production, and preparing bees for winter — all while adapting to the ever-changing weather, forage availability, and the needs of the colonies themselves.
Who Are the Friends of the Apiary?
To help with this important work, we have a group known as Friends of the Apiary. This is a friendly, supportive group of members who can be called upon to lend a hand when needed.
Because beekeeping doesn’t always fit neatly into a timetable, the timing of apiary work can be unpredictable and may arise on different days of the week. Communication is therefore managed through a WhatsApp group, where members volunteer and arrange to meet at the apiary when they’re available.
Why get involved?
Becoming a Friend of the Apiary is a wonderful way to:
Build friendships with fellow beekeepers
Follow association colonies through their full life cycle
Grow confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment
Gain hands-on experience in practical beekeeping
Learn from different colony management approaches
Contribute to the conservation and care of our local Welsh Black Bees
The apiary manager or one of our experienced beekeepers will always be on hand — whether to demonstrate techniques, talk things through, or guide you as you take a more active role.
No pressure, no expectations — just shared learning, good company, and time with the bees.