Hastings & Rother
Beekeepers’ Association
We are a friendly local group for beekeepers of every level, covering Hastings, Rother and the surrounding area.
Learn beekeeping by doing it
Volunteer-led and practical, from curious beginners to experienced beekeepers with dozens of hives.
Hands-on apiary days
In summer we meet at our Association Apiary to open hives and learn essential skills with experienced local beekeepers.
Winter talks & workshops
Guest speakers and indoor sessions on disease recognition, honey processing, candle making and more.
See what’s on →Friendly WhatsApp group
Stuck while looking inside a hive? Get fast, friendly advice from the local community.
More about us →Found a swarm of bees?
Not sure what you’ve got? Check whether it’s a honey bee first, then use our map to find a volunteer collector near you.
Why join Hastings and Rother Beekeepers’ Association?
As a local division of the Sussex Beekeepers Association, affiliated with the BBKA, your cover spans local, county and national levels.
Insurance & support
Public liability insurance, Bee Diseases Insurance for your first three colonies, and the monthly BBKA News magazine.
Emergency help
Access to our local swarm collection network and our Asian Hornet Action Team.
Asian hornet information →Local expertise
Advice from beekeepers who understand the forage, weather and challenges of Hastings and Rother.
The annual Honey Show
Every September, compete with your honey, wax, mead and even beekeeping photographs.
See all the benefits →Joining takes a few minutes
Join and pay online by card.
- Choose your membershipFull, Partner, Junior or Associate.
- Fill in the formIt works out your total for you.
- Pay securelyYou’ll go straight to our secure payment page.
Common questions about Hastings and Rother Beekeepers’ Association
Do I need my own bees to join?
No. Many members join before they have a hive, to learn first. Everyone from curious beginners to experienced beekeepers is welcome.
Where are you based?
We cover Hastings, Rother and the surrounding area of East Sussex.
Can you recommend a beekeeping course?
Yes. We recommend the courses run by Mantel Farm near Battle.
Beekeeping courses →Part of the wider beekeeping community
Useful national resources for every beekeeper.