So, You want to be a beekeeper!
Two full days are required to deliver the basic training. These can consecutive days or spread apart. Student numbers are limited to 4 so that you get bespoke individual attention, have ample opportunities to ask questions and reflect and progress quickly. Training sessions are held between April and the end of August and each day consists of a mix of practical and theoretical tasks. In addition to our dedicated training apiary, we also have hives under cover so that our training courses go ahead regardless of the weather. We expect that you will be competent at inspecting a hive yourself (under supervision, of course!) by the end of your second day.
We advise that you do not acquire your bees or hives before attending your course. However we are happy to advise you on hives, suits and equipment in advance of the course and on where to pre-order superior locally reared bees.
- Life-cycle and anatomy of honey bees
- How a national hive is organised
- Equipment and protective clothing
- Establishing an apiary
- Installing your new colony of bees
- Inspecting a hive
- Managing your colony in its first year
- Seasonal tasks, including swarm prevention, winter preparation and pest and disease management
- Statutory requirements
Importance of swarm prevention and control
Many beekeepers accept swarming as an inevitable event. Sadly, it results in a significant loss of bees and impacts honey yield and may result in complete colony loss. Furthermore, the need to remove swarms from buildings may cause distress, inconvenience, structural work and cost to neighbours. On our courses we stress the importance of swarm control and share with you effective management practices that virtually eliminate the occurrence of swarming.
- This is an all-weather event.
- Cost, £195 per person, for the two-day course.
- Pay £35 non-returnable deposit now to reserve a place
- Pay balance of £130 on arrival
- maximum 4 persons per course
- 10:00 - 16:30
- Use of protective clothing included.
- Printed folder of notes to accompany the course and links to further reading available on request.
- Complimentary visit to check your potential site.
- Invitation to join private Whatspp group for on-going support.
- Gift vouchersavailable for this course.
Beginner course dates in 2026
April - 4&5 (full); 15&16 (1 place left)
May - 2&3; 13&14; 23&24
June - 6&7; 10&11
July - 11&12; 22&23
Aug - 5&6; 22&23 (2 places left)
Enter the online shop to reserve a place on a "so, you want to be a beekeeper?" on a date of your choice.
