WGBKA Introduction to Beekeeping 2027

WGBKA Introduction to Beekeeping Course (Suitable for Beginners, Improvers and Non - Beekeepers) The course has been successfully held since 2006. It is suitable for those who wish to discover what is involved in keeping bees before enrolling on a practical course or buying bees and equipment. It will not give enough information to start, but enough to help you decide if beekeeping is for you. Practical tuition is available free at our well-equipped teaching apiary. The course is also suitable for those who have already started, but have little experience. It is based on the knowledge gained from over 60 years beekeeping experience, not just repeating what is in books, as many courses do. Tutors: A team of experienced beekeepers led by Roger Patterson, who started beekeeping in 1963 and has been teaching the craft for well over 50 years. He is a prolific speaker, demonstrator and writer and features in many videos on the BIBBA YouTube channel, where his down-to-earth approach is appreciated. Subjects covered include:- • How and where to learn about honey bees • Obtaining bees and equipment • Honey bees and insects they are often confused with • Where to site hives • How bees live naturally and how we manage them • Protective clothing • What bees collect - nectar, pollen, propolis, water • Basic colony management • How bees process honey and pollen • Caring for your bees • What happens in a beehive and where • Why and how bees swarm • The occupants of the hive - queen, drones and workers • Dealing with the honey crop • How to start beekeeping • The beekeeping year - what to do and when • Bee hive types - how to choose and why • Supplementary feeding • Essential and useful equipment • The colony in winter Please contact us for promo codes for WGBKA Members and Group Booking (10+)