The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Bees & Beekeeping => Topic started by: shygirl on July 05, 2014, 08:38:47 am

Title: courses
Post by: shygirl on July 05, 2014, 08:38:47 am

so where do you begin in finding training courses for bee keeping? ae they distance learning or hands-on?
thanks

Title: Re: courses
Post by: sss on July 05, 2014, 10:38:30 am

Generally if you find your local british beekeepers association group. They will run courses. Usually they start in the winter with the theory and then should allow hands on at the start of the season.

Some courses run a system where the student gets a loan hive to run for the first year, if they love it they can buy it and keep going, or they can give it back at the end of the season if its not for them.

Different groups run in differing ways.

There are some 'independents' that run courses from their apiaries.

I started mid season and my association at the time put me in contact with a mentor and I helped him until the course started in the winter.  As I work shifts I was unable to attend every session, but they allowed me to catch up when I was unable to attend one week.

Check around some are better than others.

Title: Re: courses
Post by: Bramblecot on July 05, 2014, 04:43:05 pm

I learned at the local agricultural college, evening classes in the winter, then looked at the college hives from Spring onwards.  Great hobby but quite expensive to set up, and too much for a bad back!

Title: Re: courses
Post by: Bionic on July 05, 2014, 04:52:31 pm

I agree with SSS. Most bee keeping clubs will run courses in the winter. Ours does a 6 weeks course for about £35 so its good value for money.
They also sell nucs in the spring at a cheaper rate for new comers. It can be expensive to start but like most things, after the initial outlay, its not too expensive. 

Title: Re: courses
Post by: HesterF on July 08, 2014, 10:38:21 pm

Look out at local agricultural shows too. I picked up a flyer at the Kent Show two years ago which led to my course (which was in August/September time - perfect for lots of hands on practise because the weather was so much better than spring). My teacher also sells equipment (has just opened a 'shop') and nucs so I've got everything through him which has also guaranteed he's been on hand to advise.

H

Title: Re: courses
Post by: ZacB on July 10, 2014, 07:34:21 am

Find your local association via the bbka website & enquirer with them

Title: Re: courses
Post by: shygirl on July 10, 2014, 12:25:26 pm

thankyou  :thumbsup: