About The BKKS

The British Koi - Keepers' Society (B.K.K.S.) was founded in 1970 by a small group of like minded people who shared a common interest in Nishikigoi (Koi). Over the past years the Society evolved from just a few members, to approximately 5000 at it's peak and today it's membership stands at around 1000. Throughout its evolution, the Society has gained a wealth of experience, mainly through many of its members working together to solve the numerous problems that potentially face the Koi keeper, both novice and experienced. After the initial formation it did not take long before area Sections were formed throughout the UK. The Society now has around 30 regional Sections spread across the British Isles acting as social satellites to the Society.

The Object of the Society

The main object of the Society is to provide an organisation for the mutual benefit of members interested in all aspects of keeping Nishikigoi, the fancy variety of Cyprinus Carpio, most commonly known as Koi. The members of the Society can use this organisation as a common platform for the exchange of Koi keeping information and at the same time develop a spirit of friendship and fellowship between each other and have the opportunity to take part in social activities and events organised by the Society and its UK Sections.

Structure of the Society

The largest part of the Society is formed by its ordinary members spread throughout the UK. The affairs of the Society are managed by a smaller group known as the Council which consists of officers and other council members. The officers comprise a Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer who have overall responsibility and direction of the Society's general and financial affairs. The Council members include more detailed roles such as the President, Membership Secretary, Magazine Collator, Public Relations, Supplies etc. There are a number of Sub-Committees operating under the control of the Council such as the National Show Committee, the Judges and Standards Committee (JSC) and the Health Standard Committee (HSC) which manage the more specialised aspects of the Society's affairs.

Continuous Evolution

The Society is constantly learning and striving to identify new techniques and products required for successfully keeping healthy Koi. The main aim is for Koi keepers to simulate as close as possible, the fishes' natural habitat and conditions, allowing the fish to lead a stress free life and provide a lifetime of enjoyment to their keepers. Having a large membership, has and still provides the Society with a large spectrum of individual skills. In many cases, related professional knowledge has been introduced through its membership, such as veterinary, chemical, material and nutritional specialists helping to change the art of Koi keeping from a "black art" to a more confident hobby with the availability of more efficient pond products, foods and remedies. This has allowed keepers to spend more time enjoying their Koi rather than continually fire fight problems. The most important fact is that our "living jewels" are also happier and healthier as a result. The Society is constantly monitoring and striving to understand the impact of our ever changing environment, effects on our water supplies and weather, helping us to identify the secondary effects that it can have on our Koi.