About EGBKA
We are a friendly, mixed bunch of beekeepers and cover the areas of East Grinstead and its many surrounding villages including – Ardingly, Colemans Hatch, Newchapel, Chelwood Gate, Forest Row, Ashurstwood, Newick, Felbridge, Dormansland, Lingfield and Hartfield to name just a few.
We are affiliated to Sussex Beekeepers as well as The British Beekeepers Association. We have our own apiary and hold regular meetings throughout the summer and winter, which include talks from expert speakers.
Our aims are to promote and increase the local community‘s understanding of honey bees and beekeeping within our environment by means of teaching both adults and children through demonstrations at local shows and clubs to teach both beekeeping and what the community can do to help. Last but definitely not least by training our members to become better more informed beekeepers. We also try to provide education and support to people who might be interested in bees but do not have the time or space to keep bees themselves.
The Committee

Alastair Lee
Chair and Apiary Manager
I started keeping bees when I found some empty hives on a farm where I had moved into one of the old farm worker’s cottages. My father had kept bees until he left home for his national service so it was always a story in the family. When I started, Varroa was still regularly treated with arachnicides, but they mites were quickly becoming resistant so more integrated approaches were needed.
Thanks to the Association I was able to learn from some very experienced beekeepers and move from the basics to trying out new approaches myself, some with more success than others. I’ve recently moved house (February 2021) and my new garden is too small for bees, so I was glad to be able to keep my bees at the apiary; and as I was going to be there anyway I thought I might as well help out as Apiary Manager.

Stephen Busby
Secretary & Events Manager
Relative newbie – first bees in spring 2022. On a steep learning curve, enjoying some success and lots of frustrations!

Simon Redgrove
Treasurer
I live in West Hoathly and have three hives, two of which started with swarms and all of them have different species in them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Beekeeper?
The best way to become a beekeeper is to attend an introductory course, join your local beekeeping association and attend meetings and events where you can handle bees.
Or
Get some bees and some equipment and learn from Youtube, courses and books. See our Beginners page for more information.
What equipment do I need to become a beekeeper.
I've got a swarm in my garden, what should I do?
Check out our Swarms page and if you are sure they are Honeybees, contact our swarm co-ordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk
I've already got bees. Can I still join EGBKA?
How do I become a member of EGBKA?
To become a member download the membership form and return it to secretary@egbka.org.uk.
I've got bees in my chimney or wall or loft what should I do?
We are not able to help remove bees from buildings etc. This is not covered by our British Beekeepers Association insurance.
There are number of good bee removal companies in Sussex, a quick internet search will find them.