SOMERSET BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION
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Beginners' CourseS

Our Beginners' Courses are organised at Divisional level, and are aimed at newcomers to beekeeping, and those in their first year. The courses are programmed to provide a firm basis from which the beginner can progress in his or her own time, and covers basic beekeeping in six weekly sessions.
They usually takes place during the winter months, and are held in a village hall or classroom environment in the evening. They endeavour to answer fundamental questions, which are in most people’s minds when first considering taking up the craft. “How much time will it take? What will it cost? Will I get stung?” They then go on to introduce the honeybee, dealing with elementary biology and life cycle. The courses cover hives, tools and personal equipment, and deal with swarming, and setting up an apiary. The principles of bee handling are covered, and honey production and harvesting, together with over-wintering, feeding and husbandry. Honeybee maladies are dealt with, as well as pests and predators, and plenty of time is allowed for questions.
This winter course then usually leads on to a Practical Course, which starts the following spring. This again deals with basic beekeeping, but allows the opportunity to open up hives, and handle bees. It covers the use of the smoker and other tools, swarming, queen marking, what to look for in the hive, honey extraction and preparation for winter. The course usually lasts right through the summer months, and is again organised at Divisional level.

Beginners' Courses By Division

Click here to find a beginners' course near you

Beginners' Course Calendar

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  • Home
    • Report a Swarm
    • Asian Hornet
  • About
    • About the SBKA
    • History
    • SBKA Council
    • Who's Who
    • Support Us
  • Events
    • All Events
    • Beginners' Courses
    • Advanced Courses
    • Apiary Meetings
    • Honey Shows
    • Lectures & Workshops
  • Members
    • Members' Blog
    • Useful Links
    • Getting Started >
      • Introduction to Beekeeping
      • Joining SBKA
      • Beginners' Courses
      • Life In a Honeybee Colony
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Beekeeping Suppliers
    • Education >
      • How To Guides
      • Video Guides
      • Courses and Qualifications
      • Examinations
    • Membership >
      • Benefits
      • Rules and Regs
      • Get Involved
      • Vacancies
    • Members Area >
      • AGM Info
      • Council Meetings Info
      • Financial Info
      • Policies
      • Online lectures
      • Year Book
    • Disease >
      • Reporting Foulbrood
      • Hygiene
    • SBKA Newsletters
    • Beekeeping Suppliers
    • Research
  • Divisions
    • Find Nearest Division
    • Burnham >
      • Burnham Beginners Course
      • Contact Burnham
    • Central >
      • Central Beginners Course
      • Contact Central
    • Exmoor >
      • Exmoor Beginners Course
      • Contact Exmoor
    • Frome >
      • Frome Beginners Course
      • Contact Frome
      • Frome Library
    • Mendip >
      • Mendip Beginners Course
      • Contact Mendip
    • Quantock >
      • Quantock Beginners Course
      • Contact Quantock
    • Somerton >
      • Somerton Beginners Course
      • Contact Somerton
    • South East >
      • South East Beginners Course
      • Contact South East
    • South West >
      • Contact South West
    • Taunton >
      • Taunton Beginners Course
      • Contact Taunton
    • Wedmore & Cheddar >
      • Wedmore & Cheddar Beginners Course
      • Contact Wedmore & Cheddar
    • Yeovil >
      • Yeovil Beginners Course
      • Contact Yeovil
  • Newsroom
    • Press Releases
    • Image Gallery
    • Resources
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Report a Swarm
    • Press & Media