The national organisation for beekeeping in the UK is the BBKA -the British Beekeeping Association. This association produces useful information on a number of bee related subjects including pest and diseases management. For details visit BBKA. The BBKA comprises of regional associations.

Our regional organisation is the Sussex Beekeepers Association, for those in East Sussex who keep bees or would like to start beekeeping. Eastbourne Beekeepers Association is a local division within Sussex Beekeepers and some of our committee members also serve on the Sussex committee. EBKA members may attend, and are very welcome, at Sussex meetings. See Sussex Beekeepers Association. The other local organisations within Sussex Beekeepers are:

East Grinstead                     Brighton and Lewes

High Weald                           Hastings and Rother

The National Bee Unit (NBU) is comprised of research and diagnostics staff based at York and home based inspectors. Their  function is to protect the honeybee, an essential pollinator of crops and wild plants, from threats such as serious disease and environmental damage. They do this using an integrated programme of apiary inspections, diagnosis, research and development, training and extension provided by a team of bee scientists and experienced practical beekeepers. They provide specialist advice and technical consultancy services on bee health to government departments, beekeepers and industry. The NBU manages a web based database of beekeepers in England and Wales called Bee Base. Registration is free of charge.

Also see the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs web site for lots of useful information DEFRA.