Beekeeping for Beginners

SOLD OUT – Please email courses@wealddown.co.uk to be added to the waiting list.

The Course

On this introductory day, you will have the opportunity to learn about types of bees and how they live and bee friendly flowers. You will see different types of beehives and their component parts and discuss where you can (and can’t) keep bees. There will be an introduction to 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. Also discussed will be the cost and time commitments as well as the risks and responsibilities to keeping bees, to enable you to make an informed decision as to whether this is a craft you wish to pursue. This day will not include visits to live bees, but will be supported by 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, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance of any special dietary requirements. The Museum café will be open or you can bring a packed lunch.