Manchester & District Beekeepers’ Association (MDBKA) is a UK charity (number: 1159052).
We train and educate our members in the art of beekeeping through a range of courses, lectures, study and practical experience.
As part of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) our members enjoy a range of benefits including – BBKA News, Insurance and much more.
Dower House in Heaton Park, Prestwich (see Street View) is our Headquarters.
We have a public viewing area, extraction room and a bee garden (apiary), with bee friendly plants. There are a number of bee hives in the apiary and also a safe observation hive in Dower House where you can watch the bees going about their business.
Visitors of all ages are welcome and we are open every Sunday.
However please check our Events Calendar BEFORE you travel.
Opening Times
DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR COVID-19 THE DOWER HOUSE WILL BE CLOSED TO VISITORS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Winter: Open at 12:00 close at 15:00 GMT
Summer: Open at 12:00 close at 16:00 BST
You can also purchase the excellent Manchester Beekeepers Honey gathered from our own apiaries as well as other bee related products.
Applications for MDBKA membership come from all kinds of backgrounds and levels of experience. Find out more about becoming a MDBKA member.
We offer 2 day Beginner’s Beekeeping theory courses with practical evening sessions during the beekeeping season. Also a 1 day Bees, Pollinators and Plants course for the Non Beekeeper.
Find out how you can help bees and other pollinators. View our observation hive – children in particular find this fascinating. Enjoy the taste of local honey.
Equipment Sale reopening Covid-19 Update (18/06/20) - The association is reopening the Equipment Store for sales from 19/06/2020 onwards each Thursday between 10.00am and 12.00pm. To ensure that everyone remains safe members are asked to follow the following guidance: bring a printed copy of the order with… ...more
COVID-19 letter from the BBKA - This letter is being sent to the Secretary of all Area Associations and Branches for you to distribute to your members. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) The impact of the Coronavirus could not have been foreseen but the BBKA is working hard… ...more
Bees, Pollinators and Plants Training - To Be Held On 16/5/2020 This is a new short course (4 hours). It is suitable for anyone who is interested in bees, (including honeybees) pollinating insects and their interaction with plants. The main focus will be on the… ...more
UPDATE Asian hornet sighting was confirmed in the Tamworth area of Staffordshire - The latest information on the Asian Hornet please read the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-uk-sightings-in-2018?fbclid=IwAR1qP9Jlic5lu5uIWmo0pmp09_V57TcbcGkqzQWyUQ1kilmLmI-ciczJDM8 An Asian hornet sighting was confirmed in the Tamworth area of Staffordshire on 2 September 2019. This is the first report since July, when a… ...more