HWBKA Beekeeping Taster Day

The day will give you a really good understanding of what it is to be a beekeeper, with a combination of lectures and practical activities with the bees. The aim is to answer all your questions as well as giving you a good overview of the subject.

During the course of the day we'll cover the following topics:

• the difference between workers, drones and queens and how to identify them
• lifecycles of the bees and of the colony throughout the season
• an introduction to the pests and diseases of bees, plus likely future threats
• an explanation of the different parts of a beehive
• an overview of some of the different types of hive available
• an explanation of what the bees collect and bring back to the hive
• how to select a good site for your bees
• how to get more help and information and where to exercise caution

The first part of the day will be classroom based – venue to be confirmed, but it will be a short distance away from our apiary in Saunderton - and refreshments will be provided during the morning.

We'll then go on to the Association apiary for the practical part of the day. At the apiary you'll have a chance to put on a bee suit and get up close to an open hive of bees with a qualified beekeeper.

The day will run from 10am to 2pm and costs just 25 pounds.

Don't forget to bring wellies and a packed lunch.

Tea and coffee will be available.