The course is aimed at those who are considering beekeeping as a hobby. We will introduce you to beekeeping, giving you the basic skills and confidence to begin to manage your own bees with sympathy and understanding.

The course starts in mid January with six fortnightly evening classes held in our classroom at the honey farm. Through themed discussions, using many visual aids and pieces of equipment, we will explore what is involved in beekeeping; how to start; and the basic requirements of time, space, and equipment. The course fee includes your own copy of the BBKA Guide to Beekeeping, a well-regarded and modern reference book that we will refer to throughout the course. We will hold the evening sessions in our classroom with concurrent Zoom web conferencing, so that you may choose to attend remotely or in person.

As the bees become active in April, the course moves from the classroom to the apiary. You will try beekeeping for yourself, having some time to become familiar with working with a hive and with honey bees. Our teaching apiary is sited in the meadow adjacent to the farm buildings, and we have beekeeping veils and tools for you to use.

The 2024 winter beginners' course dates are:

Tuesday evenings, classroom, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
6 evening sessions (Jan 21, Feb 6,20, Mar 5,19, Apr 9)

Sunday practical sessions, apiary, 10am - 12:30pm or 2pm - 4:30pm
2 half day sessions (Apr 21, May 19)

Attendees must be aged 16 years or older.