Welcome to MDBKA

Manchester and Lancashire area beekeeper training for anyone who wishes to learn the craft of beekeeping
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.
Manchester and District Beekeeping Association  Dower House HQ

Visitors of all ages are welcome and we are open every Sunday.

However please check our Events Calendar BEFORE you travel.

Opening Times
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.

MDBKA Services, Membership, Training and Education

MDBKA Honey Bee Swarm Service

Swarm Service

Do you think you may have a swarm of Honey Bees? We can help.

MDBKA Membership

Join Us

Applications for MDBKA membership come from all kinds of backgrounds and levels of experience. Find out more about becoming a MDBKA member.

MDBKA Training

Training

We offer a Beginner’s Beekeeping theory course on Zoom with practical evening sessions during the beekeeping season.

MDBKA Visitors Centre

Visitors Centre

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.

News & Events

Beekeeping Taster Day

Not sure if beekeeping is for you or you just want to find out a little more about beekeeping and experience an active colony of bees? If so, our taster...

Summer BBQ 2023

We will be firing up the BBQ again for this year's annual summer barbie on Saturday 8th July starting at 12.30 and running until 3 pm.   All Member...

SEPTEMBER BEGINNERS COURSE 2023

SEPTEMBER BEGINNERS COURSE 2023: The Weekend Beekeeping for Beginners Course will take place on the weekend of 23rd & 24th of September 2023 and will be...
Hive Inspection

IMPROVERS COURSE 2023

This is open to all beekeepers who are members of MDBKA and have kept their own bees for 2 full seasons. The start date will be Monday 17th April 2023 at 6pm...

If you are not receiving the BBKA Magazine or MDBKA Newsletter

If you are not receiving the BBKA Magazine or MDBKA Newsletter your membership has lapsed. You are not insured and will not be insured for 40 days after you...

DOWER HOUSE VISITORS CENTRE NOW OPEN

The Dower House Visitors Centre and Shop is normally open to visitors every Sunday. Please check the Events Calendar for details. Opening times are 12:00 to...

GREEN FLAG AWARD 2022/23

Manchester and District Beekeepers' Association have once again been given the prestigious Green Flag for Community Groups. Awarded by the Ministry of Housing...

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Manchester and District Beekeeper's Association, a group of volunteers based in Heaton Park have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service,...

FLORA Has Arrived Home and How we Got There

Flora our Bee is now on display at The Dower House. She is part of the Wild-in-Art trail. The story of the painting by Peter can be viewed on...