Basingstoke Beekeepers Introduction to Beekeeping 4 Days April - July 2026

A beginner’s course offered by the Basingstoke & District Beekeepers Association (BDBKA), providing a combined theory and practical training designed to introduce participants to beekeeping and prepare them for hobbyist bee management.

The course includes two modules spread over 4 Saturdays, with morning theory sessions at Stratfield Saye Village Hall and practical afternoon sessions in a nearby training apiary.

Protective clothing is supplied, and expert supervision is provided to ensure safe handling of bees.

Course Schedule and Content

The training runs from 9:30 am to 4 pm, with tea and coffee provided; students must bring their own packed lunch. The sessions are limited in number and scheduled as follows:

Saturday 25th April '26 - Module 1

General introduction, hives and protective equipment, safe bee handling, identification of casts, brood and stores, beekeeping calendar actions

Saturday 16th May '26 - Module 2A

Reproductive cycle, colony increase and management, inspection, swarm management and control

Saturday 13th June '26 - Module 2B

Bee health including pests, diseases, threats, inspection, identification, treatment, feeding, colony care, apiary hygiene

Satuday 11th July '26 - Module 2C

Getting started with site selection, obtaining bees, managing and clearing supers, extracting and storing honey and wax

Fees and Enrolment Options

If a student initially pays for the full course but decides not to continue with Module 2, a £100 refund is available directly from the organisers.

Equipment and Preparatory Materials

Students are provided with a bee suit if they do not own one but must bring their own wellies and marigold-style rubber gloves. It is recommended to wear thick, loose trousers and long-sleeved shirts or tops for additional protection. Those enrolled in Module 1 receive the “Haynes Beekeeping Manual” and detailed notes for each session, along with preparatory work ahead of Module 2 to maximize learning during face-to-face and apiary sessions.

Membership and Additional Benefits

The full course fee includes complimentary associate membership of BDBKA, offering access to events, insurance, resources, and monthly apiary sessions held on the first Saturday of each month (weather permitting). These sessions introduce students to other experienced beekeepers and advanced training opportunities. Additionally, students receive invitations to the winter meeting program.

BDBKA encourages breeding from locally adapted, friendly bees suitable for hobby beekeeping and advises against purchasing colonies from commercial suppliers, which may be less manageable and less suitable for residential environments. As such, please speak to one of the tutors about purchasing bees in the first instance.

Health and Safety Considerations

During booking, students are asked to disclose any sensitivity to bee stings or risk of anaphylactic shock to ensure appropriate risk assessments.

Course Instructors and Support

The course is taught by highly experienced beekeepers including trustees and officers of BDBKA and professional teachers. Apiary sessions are led by tutors supported by the apiary team under the leadership of the BDBKA chairman and apiary manager.

Contact Information

For further questions or information about the course, prospective students are encouraged to contact the association through the website Basingstoke & District Beekeepers Association