2025 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. It is a more streamlined, varied course programme and we think you'll enjoy it.
Our course will start on 14th March 2026 and comprises of 8 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 8 sessions as at each session, there is something new to learn and see as we take you through the beekeeping year.
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 £60.00 or £80.00 for a couple at the same address and includes a copy of the BBKA Book.
We look forward to welcoming you and joining us at the start of your beekeeping journey.
NB: All Apiary sessions begin at 10.30 with an 11am start.
Our 2026 course programme is as follows:
14th March 10.00 - 16:00
At Fromus Centre, Saxmundham.
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.
28th March 10.30 - 12.30
at SCBKA Teaching Apiary.
Today is a practical session and will include all about preparations for the season, hive inspections, using the smoker & hive tool, the importance of record keeping, different hive types, different hives / feeders and supers.
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.
18th April 13.00 - 16.000
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 all our members, so you will meet beekeepers with all levels of experience.
Refreshments will be provided.
TBA May 10.30 - 12.30
at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.
Today you will carry out your own, supervised hive inspection, preparing equipment for swarm control, checking for swarm preparations and what to do, artificial swarms and bait hives.
Essentially putting into practice what you learnt at the swarm control workshop the previous month.
TBA June 10.30 - 12.30
at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, Nr Aldringham.
Today you will take the lead and carry out a hive inspection and talk though what you are doing and seeing. In doing so you will determine if the hive is making swarm preparations. You will prepare equipment for swarm control, 'make' an artificial swarm and set out bait hives.
11th July 10.30 - 12.30
at Darsham Village Hall, Darsham.
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.
TBA August 10.30 - 12.30
at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.
Our local bee inspector David, will join us today which is all about Bee Health and Hygiene. David will take you through adult bee diseases and brood diseases, what to look for, how to identify a healthy colony, hygiene (both beekeeper and hive), bee pests and poisoning and varroa treatments.
This session is also open to members, so you will meet other local beekeepers.
TBA September 10.30 - 12.30
at SCBKA Teaching Apiary, nr Aldringham.
The last session of our beginners course, you will finish bee varroa treatments, learn how to prepare the hives for winter and feeding the bees.
