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.
BASIC BEEKEEPER TRAINING LAUNCHES IN APRIL 2021 - Our latest beekeeping training course is now available to book. It involves some Zoom sessions, online videos and face to face training. Select Log In on the top menu bar, then Training Log In to create your training account. ...more
2021 Equipment Sales Opening Times - January: Thursday 7th and 14th (between 10.00-12.00) February Thursday 4th and 18th (between 10.00-12.00) March Thursday 4thand 18th (between 10.00-12.00) I’d like to remind you that all equipment needs to be ordered prior to 9pm the day before you… ...more
GREEN FLAG AWARD 2020 - Manchester and District Beekeepers' Association has been awarded for the 6th Year running by the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government the prestigious Green Flag for Community Groups. This is awarded in recognition of the hard work the volunteers… ...more
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