Swarming
Why bees swarm. Swarm prevention and control including a demonstration of an artificial swarm. When it goes wrong! – catching and hiving a swarm. The nucleus hive and it’s uses. Uniting colonies – how, when, and why.
Category: Events
Introduction to Beekeeping – Session 3
Spring Awakening
Five things to look for when opening a hive. Reading the combs. Looking at scenarios – group exercise.
Varroa and Adult Bee Diseases
An overview of adult bee diseases including Varroa, Nosema, and Viruses. Managing Varroa including a practical session on Varroa mite counting.
Introduction to Beekeeping – Session 2
Beekeeping Equipment
The Hive, different hive types, hive parts, bee space, frame spacing, and hive stands. Apiary sites, where to site and orientate your hive, avoiding drifting, moving bees. Practical session in making a frame and ading foundation.
Handling Bees
Protective clothing including demonstration. Stings and First Aid, Tools including Smoker, Hive Tool, and kit box. Record Keeping. Opening and Closing hives.
per.
Introduction to Beekeeping – Session 1
Life-cycle of Honey Bees
The development of honey bees through all stages from egg through to hatched bee. The division of labour and the roles of bees within the colony.
The Beekeeping Year – month by month
An overview of beekeeping activities throughout the year. Reference materials for the beekeeper.
Beekeeping Courses for 2018 Announced
Introduction to Beekeeping Courses for 2018
The Luton course starts indoors on Sunday mornings from 18th February to 25th March at the Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park from 10.30am til 12.30pm. Then continues every Sunday morning outdoors at our Stockwood Training Apiary throughout the spring and summer.
The Bedford course starts indoors on Tuesday evenings from 13th February until 20th March at Moggerhanger village Hall from 7.30pm to 10pm. Then continues every Sunday morning outdoors at our Priory Park Training Apiary throughout the spring and summer.
The cost of the course is £60 per person. This covers the theory and practical sessions for the whole season. You are strongly encouraged to attend both theory and practical sessions. Initially bee-suits can be borrowed for practical training. It is important to gain experience in handling bees, learn what to look for when inspecting a colony and see how a colony changes during the season before embarking on beekeeping yourself.
If you wish to enrol, please visit our online booking system at : https://webcollect.org.uk/bedsbka