Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside a hive? Are you looking for something different to give a friend or loved one who has an interest in bees and beekeeping as a gift?
For just £20 we provide a two hour ‘Taster Session’ that will give the participant an insight into the world of the honey bee and beekeeping. You will be able to find out about the honey bee lifecycle and put on a beekeeping suit to look into a live hive and watch the honey bees at work.
2025 Taster Dates are available to book now:
- Sunday 4th May 1-3pm
- Sunday 6th July 1-3pm
- Sunday 3rd Aug 1-3pm
Book A Taster Course
Our 2025 Introduction to Beekeeping Course is ready for booking, please use the booking link below, or get in touch for more info: Contact us .
Book Here
2025 details
The introductory course is suitable for complete novices and aims to provide the knowledge and experience you will need to take on the management of your first colony of honey bees.
The course begins around the end of January with 5 Beekeeping Theory days at Necton Community Centre from 7pm - approx 9pm including a short refreshment break. Topics will include - the basics of bee biology, types of hives, where to keep them, other essential equipment, how to care for bees throughout the year, apiary safety & hygiene, extracting your first honey and an introduction to the most common bee pests and diseases.
These will be followed by practical sessions, when you can don a beesuit and experience the inspection of colonies of bees under the expert guidance of some of our experienced beekeepers. On the first visit you will observe the volunteer beekeepers as they explain what they are doing and why. But in later weeks, as your confidence grows you will learn to handle the bees yourself and practice what you will need to do to look after your own bees during their first season. Finally, there are 3 sessions, later in the year, that will provide the information you will need to carry out essential tasks at those times.
The total cost of the course is £163 per person made up of £125 course fee, which includes your own copy of the Haynes Bee manual and membership of WNKLBA which costs £38 per person (with a small discount for couples). WNKLBA membership includes membership of the British Beekeepers' Association, Public & Products Liability Insurance and Bee Disease Insurance for your first 3 colonies of bees
2025 Provisional Course Dates
| 1st Theory |
Thursday 30th January 7pm - 9pm |
| 2nd Theory |
Thursday 13th February 7pm - 9pm |
| 3rd Theory |
Thursday 27th February 7pm - 9pm |
| 4th Theory |
Thursday 20th March 7pm - 9pm |
| 5th Theory |
Thursday 10th April 7pm - 9pm |
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| 1st Practical |
Sunday 27th April 2pm - 4pm |
| 2nd Practical |
Sunday 18th May 2pm - approx 4pm |
| 3rd Practical |
Sunday 8th June 2pm - approx 4pm |
| 4th Practical |
Sunday 22nd June 2pm - approx 4pm |
| 5th Practical |
Sunday 13th July 2pm - approx 4pm |
| Autumn Treatment Day |
Saturday 9th August 2pm - approx 4pm |
| Preparation for the Next Season |
Sunday 5th October - 10.30am - 1.30pm (TBC) |
| Winter Treatment Day |
Sunday 23rd Novmber 12 noon - 2pm |
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If you have any questions or difficulties using the booking system please email Contact us.
We look forward to introducing you to the wonderful world of beekeeping!
Some Important Information for Prospective Beekeepers
Beekeeping is a wonderful hobby but, like most hobbies, it has a significant cost. In addition to the course, you should budget £800-£1,000 to cover first-year set-up costs (to include a hive, a starter colony of bees and all the essential equipment) and you will need a second hive early in the 2nd year (cost from £200).
Most new beekeepers do not get a honey crop until their 2nd year.
There is also a significant time commitment. Bees are livestock and must be properly cared for. They must usually be inspected every week between April and August, which will take about an hour per colony to begin with (but will get quicker with more experience and more colonies). During the winter, the hives are not opened but should be checked regularly, and there are tasks that must be done at specific times of year.
Expect a few stings! For most people this is a minor inconvenience, perhaps a minute or two of pain and a day or two of swelling, and you will get used to it. However, if you know you are allergic to bee venom, please contact us before signing up.
The course is tailored to finish around the best time to buy bees, in late May/early June. We will provide a list of reputable local bee breeders at your first practical session. There is no obligation at all to buy bees - enjoying and learning about them and then deciding that beekeeping is not for you, or that now is not the right time, is a perfectly valid outcome.
Once hives are established, it is difficult to move them at certain times of the year. Please be aware that, should your circumstances change eg moving house, the moving of your bees may need to be planned a few months in advance.
This is free to Association members who have done the Beginners course and is designed to take members to the point where they can gain their BBKA Basic Certificate in Beekeeping. There is no charge for this course.
Our 2025 course will commence on the 5th Febuary 2025 with 3 theory sessions followed by 4 practicals.
For more information please Contact Jill