Bee Health Advisor – Supporting the Health of Our Hives

Meet Our Bee Health Advisor, Mark Page

We’re pleased to announce that Mark Page, one of our dedicated Committee members, has volunteered to serve as our Association’s Bee Health Advisor. Mark is passionate about beekeeping and recently completed specialized training with Nigel Semmence, our Regional Bee Inspector. Alongside representatives from other Hampshire Associations, Mark gained valuable knowledge on bee health management.

Role and Responsibilities of the Bee Health Advisor

As the Bee Health Advisor, Mark Page plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of our bee colonies. If any of our Club members suspect their hives might be affected by a notifiable disease such as European Foulbrood (EFB) or American Foulbrood (AFB), Mark is available to offer a second opinion. He has access to testing kits and is equipped to identify these diseases.

In the event that a disease is confirmed, Mark will immediately notify either our Regional Bee Inspector or our Seasonal Bee Inspector, who will take over the situation to ensure the proper handling and treatment of the affected hives.

Voluntary Support and Contact Information

Mark’s role as Bee Health Advisor is entirely voluntary. Should you require Mark’s expertise to inspect your hives, we kindly ask for a voluntary contribution to cover his travel expenses. A suggested amount is £5.

Mark is based in Southsea, Portsmouth, and he can be reached at the following contact details for any bee health-related inquiries:

• Phone: 02392 830803
• Email: mpage9@sky.com

Why Bee Health is Important

Maintaining the health of our bee colonies is vital to sustaining our local environment and ensuring the production of high-quality honey. By working together and utilizing the expertise of our Bee Health Advisor, we can help prevent the spread of diseases and protect our bees.