Our beginner/new beekeeper training courses cover basic theory and handling of bees and are delivered by experienced beekeepers. They comprise a theory based course in the early spring, followed by practical hands-on experience in our training apiaries throughout the beekeeping season.
The classroom based courses are given in the January-March timeframe:
Luton Course: a series of 6 classroom based sessions at the Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park, Luton on Sunday mornings.
Bedford Course: a series of 6 classroom based sessions at Moggerhanger Village Hall on Wednesday evenings.
Practical experience can be gained in our training apiaries in Luton and Bedford.
Our beginner/new beekeeper training courses cover basic theory and handling of bees and are delivered by experienced beekeepers. They comprise a theory based course in the early spring, followed by practical hands-on experience in our training apiaries throughout the beekeeping season.
The classroom based courses are given in the January-March timeframe:
Luton Course: a series of 6 classroom based sessions at the Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park, Luton on Sunday mornings.
Bedford Course: a series of 6 classroom based sessions at Moggerhanger Village Hall on Wednesday evenings.
Practical experience in our training apiaries in Luton and Bedford is included.
The 2026 classroom courses are now at or nearing completion and no longer open to new joiners.
However, we will be offering a self-paced online course from about end of March.
NBU inspectors demonstrate inspection for and recognition of bee pests and diseases (including AFB and EFB).
This is an event that all beekeeping members should attend to learn about, or refresh your knowledge on, bee pests and diseases. Even if you have attended previous similar events, you should not miss the opportunity to update your knowledge and ability to recognise exotic pests and devastating diseases. Seeing EFB and AFB infected combs at first hand so you can recognise them is so important to us all.
The day will include:
Latest information on exotic pests – Asian Hornet and Small Hive Beetle
Latest information on permitted varroacides and varroa management
Comb Workshop – examination of real infected comb (including the reportable diseases AFB and EFB)
Inspectors demonstrating an apiary hive health inspection – how to do a thorough disease inspection.
This course is suitable for beginners and new beekeepers.
A series of 6 classroom based sessions will be held at Moggerhanger Village Hall on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 10.00pm covering basic theory; a break for coffee/tea is included. The 2025 course starts on Wednesday 29th January with subsequent sessions on the 12th, 19th, 26th Feb and the 12th, 19th March (note not consecutive weeks due to venue availability).
Once the weather improves, we move outside to our training apiary for practical experience throughout the spring and summer. Practical sessions are held on Sunday mornings at Priory Country Park (weather permitting).
The course fee (£98) includes all classroom and practical sessions as well as full membership of Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association until the end of 2025.
Our beginner/new beekeeper courses cover basic theory and handling of bees and are delivered by experienced beekeepers. They comprise a theory based course in the early spring, followed by opportunity for practical hands-on experience in our training apiaries throughout the beekeeping season.
The classroom based courses are given in the January-March 2025 timeframe:
Luton Course: a series of 5 classroom based sessions at the Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park, Luton on Sunday mornings.
Bedford Course: a series of 6 classroom based sessions at Moggerhanger Village Hall on Wednesday evenings.
Practical experience can be gained in our training apiaries in Luton and Bedford.
Our regular January Training Day aims to cover topics of interest to beekeepers of all levels – beginner, intermediate or experienced, all will gain something from this day. It is a chance to learn and an opportunity to meet and mingle with other beekeepers.
Doors open 10am for a 10.30 start and we aim to finish by 4pm.
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided but do bring your own packed lunch.
Programme:
10.00 Doors open.
10.30 Alternative methods of swarm control – Wally Thrale & Colin Hall.
11.15 Pests – we thought varroa was bad – John Macdougall.
12.15 Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Update – Phill Howes.
12.30 Lunch – Please bring your own.
13.30 Finding and Improving your Queens – Gill Brewer.
Although aimed at intermediate beekeepers, new and more experienced beekeepers are more than welcome, too. Everyone will gain something from this day. It’s a chance to learn and an opportunity to meet and mingle with other beekeepers. We are planning to serve a light lunch (soup and roll) and refreshments (tea and coffee). Put the date in your diary and register for the event here (price £5).
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