Session: Wednesday 5th March, 6 wks
Location: Fraser Centre, 3A Winton Place, Tranent, EH33 1AF
Class: Beekeeping for Beginners. Consists of beekeeping theory classes and practical sessions arranged with the students for spring/summer months
Evening: 7.00–9.00pm
Dates: Wednesdays starting (6 weeks)
Fee: £80
Class Size: up to 20 students
Summary:
Week 1. Introduction; what is a honeybee, origins of bees; history of beekeeping, honey hunting, skeps, Langstroth; importance of beekeeping.
Week 2. The colony; the queen, workers and drones; division of work within the hive; individual life-cycles; pollination, nectar and honey; local forage crops.
Week 3. The Hive; hive components; brood box; supers; different types of hive; practical – making frames.
Week 4. The beekeeping year; preparation for winter; spring management, inspections, summer build up; harvesting honey; wax, propolis and pollen; selling honey.
Week 5. Pests and Diseases; pests; brood diseases; adult bee diseases; varroa; statutory requirements.
Week 6. Swarms and the reason for swarming (causes, natural history, primary and casts); swarm control; swarm collection.
After the course
Practical beekeeping demonstrations will be arranged with the course members in May 2025, weather permitting.
* Juniors (under 16’s) must be accompanied by an adult
In 2018 it was estimated that the cost of setting up as a beekeeper was in the region of £700. In the summer months you will need to be able to check your bees weekly.
Terms and Conditions of booking
- If purchasing the course for someone else or for multiple attendees, please ensure they can commit to the dates in advance. We will require their contact details in order to be able to contact them about the course.
- Payment for any courses must be made in full at the time of booking.
- Bookings cancelled more than one month before the commencement of the course will receive a refund less a £10 admin fee.
- Less than one month, no refund will be payable. If the cancelled course can be resold, then a refund may be payable, less a £10 admin fee.
