Beekeeping for Beginners – Sold Out

This course is fully booked.  Please email courses@wealddown.co.uk or call 01243 811021 if you wish to be added to the waiting list.

The Course

A course for those considering beekeeping. You will learn about different types of bees, how they live and bee friendly flowers. The session will explain the different types of beehives and their component parts, and offer tips on where you can (and cannot) keep bees. It will also cover the basics of honey bee management and the beekeeping year, including the issues of swarming, pests and diseases as well as the honey crop and other hive products. The cost and time commitment, risks and responsibilities around keeping bees will also be covered to enable you to make an informed decision on whether beekeeping is for you. Note: the day will not include visits to live bees but will include extensive pictorial material.

The Tutor

Christine Stevens kept bees with her late husband for some 15 years. They kept up to 40 colonies, managing them for honey production as well as rearing new queens before having to retire from active beekeeping because of developing a severe allergy to bee venom.

Christine has successfully competed with honey and hive products, winning many awards including ‘Best in Show’.  She is currently President of West Sussex Beekeepers Association, teaches beekeeping for Chichester Beekeepers, as well as lecturing on all aspects of beekeeping and hive products both locally and nationally.

Participant Information

Please bring pen and paper with you

Fee & Refreshments

£50 per person, to include tuition, coffee and tea. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know in advance. The Museum cafe will be open, or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.