Somerton branch Beginners' Course 2026
After the success of our 2025 beginners' course there has already been a great deal of interest in our course for 2026.
We will be running the theory sessions at our newly extended clubhouse, 'The Bee Space', at our apiary in Downslade Lane, Upton, Long Sutton TA10 9NW
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The sessions will all start at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings. Dates for the course are as follows:
February 18th 2026 - General Introduction - The overall picture
February 25th 2026 - Basic Entomology – All about bees
March 4th 2026 - Equipment & Costs
March 11th 2026 - Principles of Bee Handling, Tools & Clothing
March 18th 2026 - Pests, diseases & predators
March 25th 2026 - Hive Products – Bee forage & Honey
Following on from the theory sessions we will hold 7 practical sessions at our apiary which will coincide with key events throughout the beekeeping season. These are somewhat weather dependent but are usually in the morning of the first Saturday of each month Full body bee suits are provided in most sizes.
At the start of the practical course you will be assigned a mentor from our team who will help and advise you as you take your first steps.
One solid piece of advice - DON'T BUY ANYTHING YET. It could be that you end up with the wrong equipment, or go out on a limb with non standard stuff. That applies to bee-suits too, as we do a bulk purchase at sensible prices from one of the major manufacturers of good quality suits.
For the 6 theory sessions we will be charging £60.00 but that's good value when you consider that a copy of either the Haynes Bee Manual (≈£15.00) or the BBKA Guide To Beekeeping (≈£17.00) is included. The 7 practical sessions will cost a further £60.00. Payment will be due 30 days before each course (i.e. 19th January and 5th March).
The practical course fee also includes associate membership of Somerton Beekeepers for the whole of 2026 so you will be able to attend other events during the year.
The sessions will all start at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings. Dates for the course are as follows:
February 18th 2026 - General Introduction - The overall picture
February 25th 2026 - Basic Entomology – All about bees
March 4th 2026 - Equipment & Costs
March 11th 2026 - Principles of Bee Handling, Tools & Clothing
March 18th 2026 - Pests, diseases & predators
March 25th 2026 - Hive Products – Bee forage & Honey
Following on from the theory sessions we will hold 7 practical sessions at our apiary which will coincide with key events throughout the beekeeping season. These are somewhat weather dependent but are usually in the morning of the first Saturday of each month Full body bee suits are provided in most sizes.
At the start of the practical course you will be assigned a mentor from our team who will help and advise you as you take your first steps.
One solid piece of advice - DON'T BUY ANYTHING YET. It could be that you end up with the wrong equipment, or go out on a limb with non standard stuff. That applies to bee-suits too, as we do a bulk purchase at sensible prices from one of the major manufacturers of good quality suits.
For the 6 theory sessions we will be charging £60.00 but that's good value when you consider that a copy of either the Haynes Bee Manual (≈£15.00) or the BBKA Guide To Beekeeping (≈£17.00) is included. The 7 practical sessions will cost a further £60.00. Payment will be due 30 days before each course (i.e. 19th January and 5th March).
The practical course fee also includes associate membership of Somerton Beekeepers for the whole of 2026 so you will be able to attend other events during the year.
If you want to give this course to somebody as a Christmas present, we can send you a voucher and their copy of the Haynes Bee Manual or the BBKA Guide To Beekeeping (£4.50 extra p&p), so that they have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.
I am afraid we are fully subscribed, but if you would like to fill in the application form below we will add you to the waiting list and let you know if anyone drops out:-
Application Form
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
