The Southern District Beekeepers’ Association (SDBKA) represents the Isle of Man’s southern beekeepers, with members from Laxey down to Cregneash.
It is one of the three bodies that make up the Isle of Man Beekeepers’ Federation (IOMBKA).
The group works to help grow the population of the Manx bee and reduce the genetics of previously imported varieties.
Bees are essential to biodiversity and beekeepers raise awareness about the importance of the insect and of the pollinator-friendly plants it relies on, encouraging people to develop their gardens, land and community spaces with the insect in mind.
SDBKA members help run the IOMBKA training apiary and the British Beekeepers’ Association’s beginners’ course. They share information at public events such as the Douglas Pollinators Day and agricultural shows and by giving talks and demonstrations in schools and to community groups.
SDBKA members volunteer as swarm collections, acting on reports from the public, in swarming season from May to July.
Its beekeepers provide Manx honey to local restaurants, cafes and shops.
The SDBKA is hosting a Biosphere Bee Community Picnic 2022.
