A band of bee lovers are hoping to stir up interest in the hobby after forming the Bradford Beekeepers’ Association.

A surge in interest in the insect due to a dramatic recent decrease in bee numbers has led to the formation of the group.

Bill Cadmore, Bradford BKA chairman and regional training co-ordinator, said: “There used to be a Bradford Beekeepers’ Association many years ago.

“With the rise in the number of people wanting to be beekeepers, we thought it would be a good area to set one up.

“We’d been getting quite a few inquiries from people in Bradford.

“Bees are in the news and people have become interested in it. It’s something that is sustainable, they’re easier to keep than pigs or chickens and of course you get the honey from it.

“Bee numbers in the last five years have been declining rapidly in Yorkshire and honey bee colonies have fallen by 47 per cent in the last three years.”

He said factors contributing to the dwindling numbers included poor weather, the prevalence of the varroa mite – which attacks honey bees – and use of chemicals and insecticides.

The newly-formed Bradford BKA is based at Bradford University, which has an on-campus apiary cared for by staff and students.

The group also has a training apiary on farmland in Idle and is looking for new premises that have teaching facilities.

Bradford BKA will be offering training courses for beekeepers in Spring next year. With almost half the places already snapped up, early booking is advised.

Lectures are being held at the University of Bradford on the first Tuesday of every month. On Tuesday, November 2, a talk will be given by Kim Flottum, editor of the American beekeeping magazine Bee Culture.

Anyone who wants more information about the group or upcoming events is asked to e-mail idlebeekeeper@ntlworld. com.