2026 BEEKEEPING BEGINNERS’ COURSE
Run by the Exmoor Branch of the Somerset Beekeepers Association and taught by experienced and / or qualified beekeepers.
- 3 fortnightly classroom sessions
- 4 Practical apiary sessions
1. Theory Classes at CARHAMPTON VILLAGE HALL, CARHAMPTON TA24 6NJ
When?
Starting Saturday 7th March 2026, continuing weekly until 21st March 2026
Where?
DATE |
TIME |
SUBJECT |
Saturday 7/3/26 |
10.00 10.30 11.15 11.30 12.45 13.45 15.00 15.15 16.30 |
Introduction History of bees and beekeeping Refreshments The honey bee colony Lunch Nests, hives and frames Refreshments Frame making practical End |
Saturday 14/3/26 |
10.00 11.15 11.30 13.00 14.00 15.00 15.15 16.30 |
The beekeeping year Refreshments Honey bee pests and diseases Lunch Queens Refreshments Swarms End |
Saturday 21/3/26 |
10.00 11.15 11.30 12.45 13.15 14.15 15.15 15.30 16.30 |
Forage for honey bee Refreshments Products of the hive Asian hornet briefing Lunch Getting started, health and safety Refrehments Quiz End |
2. Practical Classes
Practical classes take place at the Exmoor Branch apiary at Rowe Farm (between Dunster and Minehead). They are scheduled to take place on four successive Saturdays, weather permitting, starting at 2pm and ending roughly 2 hours later. The first likely date will be mid- to late April.
After the formal course ends, trainees may continue to visit throughout the season during weekly apiary management visits at Rowe.
The purchase of honeybee nucleus colonies may sometimes be available on requests.
There is no need to buy any equipment before undertaking the course; indeed, we don’t recommend it. The course is your chance to decide if beekeeping is something you want to pursue.
For the practical sessions, we will lend you a full bee-suit but you must bring a pair of Wellington boots and a pair of Marigold gloves.
After the formal course ends, trainees may continue to visit throughout the season during weekly apiary management visits at Rowe.
The purchase of honeybee nucleus colonies may sometimes be available on requests.
There is no need to buy any equipment before undertaking the course; indeed, we don’t recommend it. The course is your chance to decide if beekeeping is something you want to pursue.
For the practical sessions, we will lend you a full bee-suit but you must bring a pair of Wellington boots and a pair of Marigold gloves.
Additional Information
We will have a small library of beekeeping books available which you may borrow.
Handouts will be provided but please remember to bring a pen and paper for note taking. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided during the theory sessions but, please, bring a packed lunch or there is a pub close by.
We will have a small library of beekeeping books available which you may borrow.
Handouts will be provided but please remember to bring a pen and paper for note taking. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided during the theory sessions but, please, bring a packed lunch or there is a pub close by.
Cost£100. This includes Associate Membership of the Somerset Beekeepers' Association. |
More InfoFor further information, please email: [email protected] |
