Courses
Beginners Course 2024
The course is fully booked but please email secretary@beekeeping.org.uk to join the waiting list for this course and / or one of our taster sessions.
Dates:
Theory with Saturday morning practical: 18th / 19th May (Saturday and Sunday), 10 am - 5 pm
Follow-up practicals on 2nd June and 23rd June (Sundays), 10 am - Noon.
Location Details:
Theory Sessions: Highgate Society Hall
Practical Sessions: Teaching apiary near Kenwood House, North London.
Are you interested in keeping bees? Have you already got bees and would you like to feel more confident in your beekeeping? This introduction to beekeeping is tailored for those interested in keeping bees in an urban environment. You'll learn about the theory to underpin good beekeeping practice, for example, biology of honey bees, how to keep healthy bees, essential beekeeping equipment and the annual cycle of beekeeping. You'll then put your knowledge into practice, interacting with bees and the equipment in the practical sessions. Our team of seasoned beekeepers will guide you through both theoretical knowledge and hands-on sessions. There is no exam at the end but you’ll become a member of the North London Beekeepers’ Association to continue your learning.
Course Fee: £250. This includes:
The 2-day theory course (tea / coffee included)
Two 2-hour follow-up practical sessions (required equipment and protective wear included)
A BBKA Guide to Beekeeping book to supplement the theory course
Six months of membership with North London Beekeepers, a friendly community of fellow beekeepers providing regular apiary teaching sessions, demonstrations, and social events throughout the year to supplement the practical sessions
Twelve months of membership with the British Beekeepers Association, with the monthly beekeeping magazine (BBKA News) and third-party insurance cover with BBKA and Bee Disease Insurance (BDI) (helpful if you have your own bees).
Eligibility: Adults (over 18 years of age).
Please note: Practical sessions are subject to weather conditions (the bees prefer sunshine too!) and may be rescheduled as necessary. The practical sessions involve hands-on activities – for example, inspecting a beehive, extracting honey and building hive frames. If you think you might need any adjustments in order to participate in the session, please do get in touch with us (email secretary@beekeeping.org.uk).
BASIC ASSESSMENT IN BEEKEEPING
Following on from our Beginner’s Beekeeping course, the BBKA “Basic Assessment in Beekeeping” provides a way of confirming your knowledge and skill in handling bees. You need to have kept bees for a year and know about bee diseases in order to take the assessment.
www.bbka.org.uk/basic
Modules
Once you have passed the Basic Assessment, there are seven modules of study (there is no Module 4). We recommend that you form a group to study one of these modules or work towards them on an individual basis.