Beginner Training

Thinking of becoming a Beekeeper?

For many people, learning about bees and beekeeping is captivating and leads to a life-long obsession. You have been warned! However, there is much for a beginner to learn and understand and practical experience in dealing with bees is essential. We strongly recommend that you do not obtain your own bees or equipment until you have learned enough from a beginner’s course (with us or another beekeeping association) that covers both theory and practice. It really is best for both you and the bees to have some sound knowledge and practical experience first. Practical experience is best gained by working with experienced beekeepers through a full beekeeping season (starting in spring and ending in autumn).

Is beekeeping for you?

Some people start beekeeping without realising what it involves. Knowledge, experience and hard work all play a part! Check out our “Is Beekeeping for You?” page.

Beginner Training Courses for 2025

We are running two classroom based courses in the January-March 2025 timeframe:

1. Luton Course: As in previous years, we plan to hold a series of 5 classroom based sessions at the Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park, Luton on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm covering basic theory; a break for coffee/tea is included. The 2025 course runs from Sunday 16th February until Sunday  23rd March (excluding 9th March).
2. Bedford Course: 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 29^th January with subsequent sessions on the 12^th, 19^th, 26^th Feb and the 12^th, 19^th March (note not consecutive weeks due to venue availability).

The courses cover basic theory and handling of bees and are delivered by experienced beekeepers. The course fee of £98 includes access to the training, additional handout material and full membership of Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association until 31st December 2025.

Joining our “Introduction to Beekeeping” Course

To join the Luton course, use this link.

To join the Bedford course, use this link.

If you require more information, please contact-us.