Fleet & District Beekeepers Association

Education

Beekeeping for Beginners Course
The Fleet Beekeepers Association runs a Beekeeping for Beginners course each year starting in February. The course comprises eight classroom sessions running one evening a week. After that there will be a series of practical sessions held at various local apiaries throughout the Spring and Summer where attendees will be able to handle bees under the tuition and guidance of experienced beekeepers.

During this time, we will encourage those on the course to setup their own colonies of bees either in their own garden (if suitable) or at other sites including our own apiary located near Hook. We will also encourage pupils to join a “buddy” system pairing up with another local beekeeper so that attendees can learn together throughout the rest of the year and beyond. There will also be an experienced beekeeper available on the phone or via email to be on hand if required.

We cannot guarantee a honey harvest in the first year, but attendees will learn to handle bees safely and responsibly. There is no examination as part of the course, however by the end you will have covered enough of the subject that with a little practical experience attendees on this course, you should be able to take the British Beekeepers Association's "Basic'' examination.

The course is very popular and is always over-subscribed. However, if you wish to register your interest in attending the next beekeeping for beginners course, please us the contact form here.

Syllabus
A copy of the proposed syllabus can be seen here. More material including copies of all presentations and other coursework are located inside our members area and can be downloaded by any course attendees or members of the Association.