A Beekeeping Improvers Day

A great day for novice beekeepers wanting to improve their knowledge, refresh their understanding and share experiences to help you through your first years of beekeeping. 

This course is follow-on from our beginners course and is for those who already have bees.  The course will also provide a good understanding for those wanting to take the BBKA Basic Assessment which is run by local Beekeeping Groups.

Course Programme: 
1 day 9.30am - 4.30pm

What To Expect:

1.  Natural History of Honey Bees:
The bee colony, biology, and life cycle

2.  Equipment:
Hive equipment, frames, wax, tools, personal protection

3.  Apiary Management:
Inspections, swarm control, uniting and moving colonies

4.  Honey and Wax Production:
Honey extraction & handling and equipment

5.  Swarming:
Swarm control, management and collection

6.  Diseases and Pests:
Bee diseases, pests & other problems, recognizing & treating them

7. The BBKA Assessment:
What you need to know to complete the BBKA Assessment

An informal day spent with other novice beekeepers gaining useful information and guidance to improve your beekeeping skills and knowledge.

Each student will leave with a checklist of practical tasks they need to complete in order to be ready for the BBKA assessment.  Those students not wishing to take the exam will have improved their knowledge and skills beyond those learnt on the Beginners Beekeeping Courses.

What To Bring:

Just bring yourself, confirmation of your booking, a notebook, and any questions you may have, along with gloves (washing-up type gloves are fine) and wellies/boots.

Refreshments will be provided, including a honey-themed cake.  Please bring your own packed lunch.

A bee-suit will be provided.

Where the bees and the weather allow, this day will include an inspection of a hive.

Parking is available at the entrance to our farm and our training room is just a short walk down our track.

Please arrive at 9.15 for a prompt 9.30 start.