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2024 Beekeeping for Beginners Course

We have taken on board past feedback and comments which has resulted in a review of the way we deliver our course. This year we have a more streamlined, varied course programme and we think you'll enjoy it.  

Our course will start on 23rd March 2024 and comprises of 7 sessions, the last one being in September. That's one session per month between March and September.  The sessions will be held on Saturdays and apart from the first session, will last around 1.5 - 2 hours.  We encourage you to attend all 7 sessions as at each session, there is something new to learn and see.

For comfort and ease of teaching, we limit the number on our beginners course to a maximum of 24 places.  They are on a first come, first served basis.  If you have already registered your interest, you will be contacted in the next couple of weeks if you have not, please email us here.

The beginners course fee is £50.00 or £75.00 for a couple. 

 

We look forward to welcoming you and joining us at the start of your beekeeping journey.

Our 2024 course programme is as follows:

23rd March 9.30 - 16:00

At Fromus Centre, Saxmundham (behind Library).

Today is an overview of beekeeping and you will learn about The Honey Bee Colony, Setting up your Apiary, equipment, hive inspections, products of the hive, Stings and First Aid.

Refreshments will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.  At lunchtime there will be the opportunity to handle some beekeeping equipment.

6th April 11 - 13:00

at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.

Today is a practical day and you will learn how to make a frame, use the smoker and hive tools, carry out your first hive inspection, learn of the importance of record keeping and assist the course instructors as needed.  

Refreshments will not be provided.  Please bring your own.  The nearest toilets are in Aldeburgh or behind a bush!  Protective suits and gloves will be provided. Please do not wear any bright colours, perfume or aftershave. Bring your own wellington boots.

13th April 12.30 - 17.00

           at Darsham Village Hall, Darsham.

This session is all about swarming, what to look out for, how to manage it, different artificial swarm methods, Equipment and how to catch a swarm.

This session is also open to our members, so you will meet beekeepers with all levels of experience. 

Refreshments will be provided. 

Date & time: TBC May

at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.

Today you will carry out your own, supervised hive inspection and checking for swarm preparations and what to do.  Essentially putting into practice what you learnt at the previous session.  

Date & Time: 13th July

at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, Nr Aldringham.

Today is all about the honey.  You will check the honey supers, is it ready and is there enough for the bees? Learn how to Clear supers, honey extraction equipment and hygiene and labelling.

Date & time: TBC August

at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.

Our local bee inspector David, will join us today.  David will take you through bee diseases and what to look for, how to identify a healthy colony, hygiene, bee pests and poisoning and varroa treatments. 

Date & time: TBC September

at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.

The last session of our beginners course, you will finish bee treatments and prepare the hives for winter, including feeding the bees.

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© 2025 by Suffolk Coastal Beekeepers Association. 

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