The 2021 Beginners’ Beekeeping Course started in January and has been fully booked since last November.
If you are hoping to learn more about beekeeping, the best way to start is by gaining hands-on practice with an experienced beekeeper, to which end we recommend attending the NBKA Apiary in East Haddon which would normally be open on Sunday mornings, from early May until September. However, because of the Covid situation, we are unable to give a precise date for reopening. Please keep checking this site for an update.
Each year we offer a beginners’ course, facilitate members taking the BBKA Basic Assessment and also, during the winter months, arrange a series of lectures geared towards BBKA Modular Examinations. Further details below:
BBKA Basic Assessment
To take the Basic Assessment you should have managed at least one colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months
The Basic Assessment syllabus and further information can be found through the BBKA Practical Assessments link below.
The format of the course this year is six sessions held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings between January and March. See the programme for 2021 below. The cost of the course was £75 but at the moment is fully booked. If you are interested for the future you should Contact the Training Officer
NB If you know that you have an allergy to bee stings it is inadvisable to undertake beekeeping unless you have discussed this with a qualified medical practitioner.
Beginners’ Course Programme 2021
19th Jan Lifecycle 0f the Bee – presented by Richard Knott
A brief explanation of the honeybee’s lifecycle from egg to grave.
26th Jan Equipment – presented by the Association Apiary Team and Committee
An introduction to the extent and type of equipment used, of how a hive is designed, and why it works.
2nd Feb Wintering and Spring Build-up – presented by Patsy Hollingum
An explanation of how a colony survives the Winter and builds up in the Spring.
16th Feb Swarm Management – presented Ray Goodman
Why bees swarm, the problems this may cause for the beekeeper, and techniques to manage the swarming impulse.
2nd March Pests and Diseases – presented by Bob Poole
How bees become sick, what the beekeeper can do to avoid it and the effect pests and diseases have on the colony.
23rd March Honey and Hive Products – Graham Padden
How the bee makes honey, techniques for extraction and watchpoints for the beekeeper.
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