Course Tutor 

Tim Hamblin

What you will learn

This one-day introductory course is aimed at people who have not kept bees before. It can be quite expensive to start bee-keeping, so this course is designed to show people what bee-keeping involves, the equipment that is required and the time that is needed to keep a hive. Much of the day is based in the classroom but there will be an opportunity to visit the hives, weather permitting. We have national and topbar hives on the farm plus a demonstration hive for the classroom. This is a fact-packed day as Tim covers a lot of topics including:

  • the honey bee and its life cycle,
  • how to identify the queen, drones and workers
  • how honey bees forage, what they collect and how they store it.
  • essential equipment and the costs
  • pros and cons of the different types of hives, including topbar
  • protective gear
  • where to site your hive
  • where to buy your bees
  • extracting honey
  • feeding your bees
  • keeping your bees healthy
  • handling bees
  • the bee keeper’s year

Administration

The numbers on these days are limited to 6 people so that everybody can see what is going on and ask questions. Full protective gear is supplied when you visit the hives. However, you should also bring plastic gloves, wellington boots, and a cap.

The price includes all tuition, course notes, light lunch and refreshments during the day.

Gift Vouchers

You can give a place on this course as a gift or reward. You will be asked for details of the recipient when you add the item to your basket.
We also offer flexible Gift Vouchers for any course.

Discounts

We offer a £10 discount for the second and subsequent person booked the same time. Simply enter the Coupon Code “Second” in your shopping cart when you clicked the Add to Cart Button below to book your second (and subsequent) place.

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