It is the policy of Red House Farm Allotments Society to ensure the safety of plot holders and any bees kept on the site.
The Committee of Red House Farm Allotments Society recognises its duty, as far as possible, to identify and minimise the risks to bees and plot holders and to satisfy its legal and contractual obligations to the Landlords, Council and Members and encourage good practice in the management of bees on the site. The following process will be used to ensure this:
- Establish at least one Bee Officer who will conduct inspections on a monthly basis to the standards of the British Beekeeping Association.
- No plot holder may keep bees without written permission from Red House Farm Allotment Society Committee.
- Before applying for permission to keep bees the plot holder must satisfy the criteria set by the Committee of Red House Farm Allotment Society and recommended by the British Beekeeping Association and The Society for Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (available on request from the Secretary).
- The number of colonies will be limited, as will the number of suitable plots.
- Before permission is granted neighbouring plot holders will be consulted and fears they may have regarding their safety will be discussed.
- If the plot holder satisfies the Committee that they have met the criteria set down they will be required to sign an agreement. Any breaches of the agreement will result in permission being withdrawn and the possibility of termination of tenancy.
- A charge of £50 is required to cover the cost of any expert advice needed by the Bee Officer appointed by the Society.
- The plot holder will be asked for a bond of £50 against the Society having to undertake any of the Member’s responsibilities for the bees or the exit plan
- Any member disregarding the rules laid down in this policy regarding the keeping of bees will no longer be allowed to keep bees and may have their tenancy terminated.