NBBKA runs beginner's courses for new beekeepers in the Spring.

2025 course is now open for registration

Wednesday evenings 19:30 to 21:30, weekly:

• 5th March 2025
• 12th March 2025
• 19th March 2025
• 26th March 2025
• 2nd April 2025
• 9th April 2025

Then Saturday apiary sessions from 12th April.

Register now to help secure your place.

General description of annual course

The annual beginner's theoretical course starts in February or March and usually comprises:

• 6 weeks of classroom sessions
• .... 5 weeks of theory
• .... 1 session on how to assemble a hive
• 6+ weeks of outdoor apiary sessions
• .... students get to handle bees
• .... sessions may continue throughout the rest of the season at our teaching apiaries or our members' apiaries in and around MK.

The usual syllabus is below (some weeks cover multiple topics).

• Introduction and overview
• Colony Management
• Swarm control
• The honey harvest
• Preparing for winter
• Feeding
• Pests & diseases
• Hive building
• The beekeeper's year

The price of the next course is still be be finalised but will include a text book and potentially a part year's membership to the association (but not to BBKA). Including membership and book, the price is likely to be around £100 but this will be confirmed during the application process.

Students need to supply their own protective equipment (bee suit etc) in order to attend the apiary

Please register now to help secure your place on the next course. Places usually fill fast.