Beekeeping Introduction Course 27th & 28th April 2024

Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 April 2024

£135 total (no concessions) Please note that only by booking directly with us at info@martineau-gardens.org.uk will avoid ticket fees.
Advance booking is essential

Course Aim

To teach an understanding of small scale ‘hobbyist’ beekeeping. This will allow delegates to understand what is involved in keeping bees. Although the course is normally classroom based, there will be some practical elements. Depending on weather we hope to have some practical time in the apiary too. Following on from the enthusiasm and uptake of our one-day ‘taster’ [link to day course], this course has been developed to provide more in-depth information. Students will be expected to continue to self study / have guidance from an association to attain a good understanding before buying bees.

Scroll down for more information on what is covered on the course.

What to expect

This weekend course will be taught by Sam Walker and Valli Cawte. Each day, the course runs from 9.45am with an approximate finish of 4pm (it may overrun a little), with a half-hour break for lunch. The total cost for both days is £135 (no concessions).

You will need to bring a packed lunch since there is no cafe (no bananas! – all will be explained on the course), but hot and cold drinks are provided. All protective clothing will be provided and laundered in between each use, but you will need to bring a pair of wellies which will stop bees getting up your trouser leg (you won’t need to wear them all day) and a note pad. It’s helpful to bring a cap, (and a hairband if you have long hair).

The practical element of the course (‘hands-on with bees’) will take place at Martineau Gardens, part of the course will take place indoors, with a classroom session next door at the Edgbaston Priory Club, which is approximately 5 minutes walk. Please call the gardens if you need to know more about this.

£135 (no concessions) – advance booking and payment is essential.

To book your place, please telephone Martineau Gardens on 0121 440 7430 or email: info@martineau-gardens.org.uk to check availability and then arrange your payment. Payment by BACS transfer (use the reference Bees + surname) or in-person with card or cash (sorry, no American Express or cheques).

Refunds: In the event that you have booked and paid but cannot attend, the booking can be transferred to another person, but you need to let us have the details of the new attendee. Alternatively, we can try to resell your place, if successful then a refund will be given, otherwise no refund. We do not accept liability for your travel costs if you have paid fares in advance.

Course description

Introduction to the course

Types of hives

Basic Equipment

Obtaining bees

Buying a Nucleus

Obtaining a swarm

Buying a complete colony

Precautions when obtaining bees

Reading list and notes

Beekeeping association membership

Honey bee life cycle

Colony organisation

Cycle of work in the apiary

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Summer

Swarming

Collecting

Prevention

Artificial swarm

Artificial swarm without finding the queen

Uniting stocks

Plants

Stings

Moving bees

Hygiene

Problems

Pests

Diseases

Harvesting honey

Extracting honey

Processing honey

Feeding bees