Building Basic Confidence in Beekeeping 2026 - with Sussex

Get Basic or Honey Bee Health ready with this county-led, 6 session course. Receive all the theory you need from top trainers across Sussex.

This county-wide course is for beekeepers who want to feel calm, confident, and successful with the fundamentals of beekeeping — whether you’re thinking about the BBKA Basic or Honey Bee Health Certificate, or simply want to strengthen what you already know.

Many people come out of their first season thinking “I sort of understand this… but I’m not always sure I’m doing the right thing.”
This course is designed to turn that uncertainty into confidence.

Who is it for?

• Beekeepers in their second (or third!) season
• Anyone considering the BBKA Basic or Honey Bee Health assessments
• Beekeepers who want a refresh of the essentials without pressure
• Those who want to improve colony health, decision-making, and enjoyment

You do not need to be entering an assessment to benefit.

What the course covers

Session 1 – Swarming, Varroa and Keeping Colonies Viable
Thursday 16 April 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Malcolm Wilkie
Understanding why colonies swarm, how to manage it simply, and how varroa fits into keeping colonies healthy and productive.

Session 2 – Bees, the Beekeeping Year and Feeding
Thursday 23 April 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Ian Smith
How bees live through the seasons and how that guides feeding, supering and day-to-day beekeeping decisions.

Session 3 – Hives, Equipment, Hygiene and Records
Thursday 30 April 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Jude New
Making sense of modern hives and equipment, with a focus on good hygiene, comb management and straightforward record keeping.

Session 4 – Confident Hive Handling and Inspection Skills
Thursday 14 May 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Graham Stuart
Building confidence in opening colonies, handling bees calmly, and understanding what you see when you inspect a hive.

Session 5 – Queens, Colonies and the Apiary Environment
Thursday 28 May 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Pete Coxon
Recognising queen-related issues, keeping colonies on track, and managing the wider apiary environment safely and considerately.

Session 6 – Bee Health, Disease Recognition and Next Steps
Thursday 4 June 2026 19.30-21.30 | Trainer: Simon Tuck
Recognising healthy colonies, understanding common diseases and responsibilities, and looking ahead to BBKA Basic and Honey Bee Health as optional next steps.

How it works

• County-led, delivered via Zoom
• Taught by experienced Sussex trainers from across the county
• Friendly, supportive sessions — no exam pressure
• Theory is shared; practical experience stays local

Why do it?

Because strong basics make everything else easier.
Because confident beekeepers enjoy their bees more.
And because whether or not you take an assessment, this is knowledge you’ll use every time you open a hive.