Question 1

Is there a waiting list when all tickets are sold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eventbrite runs a wait list feature so that if someone cancels the next person in line will be contacted.

Question 2

Who are the tutors?

Accepted Answer

We are all volunteer members of Devon Beekeeping Association (Okehampton Branch) who enjoy keeping bees. We welcome new learners to our organisation.

Question 3

Why do I have to be a member to attend this course?

Accepted Answer

The British Beekeeping Association (BBKA) strongly recommends this to branches and we have therefore followed this recommendation. Membership provides insurance for the hands-on learning. Membership supports the practical activities that we offer during the active bee season.

Question 4

Why are there not more places on the course given that the demand locally for places is high?

Accepted Answer

We consider the space we need to move kit around safely during the taught sessions. We recognise that beekeeping is not an easy set of skills to learn and know that people do best when there is ongoing support (after the course) from experienced members. Our class size means we can achieve this aim.

Question 5

When should I purchase my first colony?

Accepted Answer

The ideal set-up would be to wait to get bees until the calendar year following the basic winter course. You will then have had a number of "at the hive" opportunities via the course and your membership. Some people decide quickly that it is not for them. Other people fall in love with beekeeping.

Question 6

What else does Okehampton Beekeepers Offer in the summer?

Accepted Answer

From May to August we hold a monthly Apiary Meeting for members. We don't have a branch apiary so we go to various members' hives to inspect the bees. We chat about bees and consume a fair amount of tea and cake too. We are a friendly bunch and beginners can learn a lot.

Question 7

What is the practical session that is part of the course?

Accepted Answer

In the summer all learners will be offered a small-group opportunity to inspect a hive with an experienced beekeeper. Your theory learning can be put into practice. The session lasts around one hour.

Question 8

Is there an assessment?

Accepted Answer

There can be. The BBKA basic certificate (a practical plus Q/A exam) is suitable for those people who have been keeping bees for at least a year. So it is a good choice for someone who attended the winter course a year or two prior. The cost is  approx £30 and is not included in the course cost.

Question 9

What else does Okehampton Beekeepers offer in the winter?

Accepted Answer

Each month from October to March we meet on a Thursday evening to learn a new topic (such as using queen cells) or to welcome a speaker (eg a bee inspector with expertise in bee diseases). Your membership makes this available to you.

Question 10

Is there an Eventbrite fee ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eventbrite charges a standard fee of 6.95% plus £0.59 per ticket. This is already included in your ticket price.

Question 11

Is this course suitable if I am interested in the "save the bees" movement?

Accepted Answer

Really we recommend looking after all pollinating insects, not just honeybees. There are many wild bees and other insects such as hoverflies. This course is suitable if you are thinking about keeping honeybees specifically.

Question 12

How physical is beekeeping?

Accepted Answer

It is fairly physical. Standard hives with honey supers mean lifting boxes weighing 25lbs (11kg) and placing these to one side as you work through the colony. There are some beekeepers who use long hives in order to reduce lifting, however this isn't particularly common. Please contact us.

Okehampton Basic Beekeeping 2027 Course. £110

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