‘Bee’ part of a friendly local community
Learning beekeeping is easier, safer, and far more enjoyable when you have experienced local beekeepers supporting you.
Whether you’re completely new to beekeeping, thinking about getting your first hive, or already have years of experience, Braintree Beekeepers offers support, learning, and friendship for anyone interested in bees and the natural world.
Learn with confidence
Gain practical beekeeping knowledge from hands-on experience
- Avoid common beginner mistakes
- Mentoring from experienced Essex-based members
- Beginner courses and workshops
- Hands-on apiary sessions at Cressing Temple and other locations in north Essex
- Seasonal talks and demonstrations based on beekeeping issues relevant to our area
Meet like-minded people
Make friends who share your interest in:
- Bees and pollinators
- Gardening and wildlife
- Sustainable living
- Honey production and crafts
Support when you need it
Beekeeping can feel overwhelming at first – membership with Braintree Beekeepers means you’re never doing it alone.
- Access to experienced beekeepers in your area
- Advice on hive management
- Improve colony survival
- Help identifying problems and diseases
- Get help with critical swarming and disease management
Enjoy member benefits
Exclusive access to events and benefits
- Monthly newsletters
- Equipment and book loan
- Member-only price deals on beekeeping consumables
- Access to association apiaries
- Monthly events, including talks and apiary visits
- BBKA membership and insurance
Perfect for beginners
You don’t need to own bees to join.
Many of our members start with simple curiosity and learn step-by-step before deciding whether to keep bees themselves.
We’ll help you:
- Build confidence at your own pace
- Understand the basics
- Learn safely and responsibly
- Gain practical experience
More than beekeeping
Bees are at the heart of a much bigger picture.
By joining, you’ll also be supporting:
- Pollinator awareness
- Local biodiversity
- Conservation and education
- Responsible beekeeping practices
What our members love
“I joined knowing absolutely nothing about bees and was welcomed immediately.” – A Jones
“The mentoring and practical sessions gave me the confidence to start my first hive.” – S Else
“It’s not just about bees — it’s the friendships and community too.” – J Smith
Ready to join the hive?
Whether you want to keep bees, learn more about pollinators, or simply meet people with a shared passion, we’d love to welcome you.
Get in touch with us using the form below and join a community that shares your passion for bees and nature.
Membership flexibility
At Braintree Beekeepers we offer the option of Associate and Full membership.
The main differences between a Full Member and an Associate Member centre on voting rights, insurance coverage, and the purpose of membership. Associate membership is designed for supporters, family members, or those learning, while Full Membership is aimed at active beekeepers and provides additional benefits.
Full Member
- Purpose: Ideal for active beekeepers who own bees with full access to all the Braintree Beekeeper Events
- BBKA Benefits: Full automatic membership to the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA).
- Insurance: Includes public and product liability insurance for activities like honey selling and swarm collecting.
- Publications: Receives the monthly BBKA News magazine.
- Voting Rights: Entitled to vote in EBKA and local divisional matters
Associate Member
- Purpose: Suited for beginners “learning the ropes,” partners or family members, retired beekeepers, or those who want to support the association without keeping bees yet.
- BBKA Benefits: Does not include BBKA membership or the extensive insurance coverage provided to full members.
- Access: Can attend meetings, social events, and lectures.
- Voting Rights: Generally has no voting powers within the association.
- Cost: Reduced fee compared to full membership.
Joining Braintree Beekeepers has transformed my approach to beekeeping, thanks to their expert guidance and supportive community.
Laura Stevens
Community Volunteer
Start your beekeeping adventure now
Join our community to access expert advice, exclusive events, and support tailored for beekeepers of all levels. Become part of a buzzing network that nurtures your passion and skills.
Get in contact using the form below letting us know what interests you and when you would like to join and we will be in touch with all the joining details.
We can’t wait to meet you.
