Beekeeping Courses and Educational Support
Beginner’s Beekeeping Course
We are very keen to see that new Beekeepers get plenty of support when they start with this fascinating hobby.
To this end we run a beginner’s course approximately twice a year depending on demand. This course consists of 6-8 weeks of mainly theory in 2hr sessions weekly and 2-3 weeks ½ day practical hands on in the hives. We hope to make the theory and practical sessions more integrated once our training apiary in Stretton is fully up and running.
The aim of the course is to teach participants the basics of beekeeping so that they should feel able to start looking after their own colony of honey bees should they wish.
Topics include:
Beesuits are loaned out for practical sessions. Only wellingtons or sturdy boots and a pair of Marigolds (or similar washing up gloves) are required. Children are welcome but they will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The full course for members of Burton and District BKA is £75, non members £90.
Basic Assessment
It is recommended that all beekeepers take this assessment. It is an assessment rather than an exam. It is mostly practical, taken in the active season, but requires some theoretical study. We hope to be able support as many beekeepers as we can in the attainment of this assessment.
Module Examinations
The BBKA have a framework of written modules to extend the beekeeper’s knowledge. These consist of 7 modules ( possibly soon to become 8):
These can be taken in any order except for Module 8 which should be the last module taken . Up to 2 modules can be taken at each exam sitting, these being twice a year, usually March and November. We can organise study groups for those wishing to study for the modules.
For more experienced beekeepers help can be organised with:
We are very keen to see that new Beekeepers get plenty of support when they start with this fascinating hobby.
To this end we run a beginner’s course approximately twice a year depending on demand. This course consists of 6-8 weeks of mainly theory in 2hr sessions weekly and 2-3 weeks ½ day practical hands on in the hives. We hope to make the theory and practical sessions more integrated once our training apiary in Stretton is fully up and running.
The aim of the course is to teach participants the basics of beekeeping so that they should feel able to start looking after their own colony of honey bees should they wish.
Topics include:
- the make up of the colony, the life cycle and society of the colony,
- swarming,
- disease,
- bee hives and other equipment and costs,
- hygiene and stings.
Beesuits are loaned out for practical sessions. Only wellingtons or sturdy boots and a pair of Marigolds (or similar washing up gloves) are required. Children are welcome but they will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The full course for members of Burton and District BKA is £75, non members £90.
Basic Assessment
It is recommended that all beekeepers take this assessment. It is an assessment rather than an exam. It is mostly practical, taken in the active season, but requires some theoretical study. We hope to be able support as many beekeepers as we can in the attainment of this assessment.
Module Examinations
The BBKA have a framework of written modules to extend the beekeeper’s knowledge. These consist of 7 modules ( possibly soon to become 8):
- Module 1 Honey Bee Management
- Module 2 Honey Bee Products and Forage
- Module 3 Pests, Diseases and Poisoning
- (Module 4 withdrawn, but may be reinstated)
- Module 5 Honey Bee Biology
- Module 6 Honey Bee Behaviour
- Module 7 Selection and Breeding of Honey Bees
- Module 8 Honey Bee Management, Health and History
These can be taken in any order except for Module 8 which should be the last module taken . Up to 2 modules can be taken at each exam sitting, these being twice a year, usually March and November. We can organise study groups for those wishing to study for the modules.
For more experienced beekeepers help can be organised with:
- Practical Queen Rearing
- Honey Bee Health
- General Husbandry
- Microscopy
- Honey Bee Breeding
- and Advanced Husbandry