Basic Beekeeping Competencies

If you have completed the Introduction to Basic Beekeeping workshop and are interested in becoming a beekeeper, this is the next step. Run over six afternoons, the course covers all the basic competencies needed to keep a colony of bees. A theoretical presentation will be included on a convenient evening to be arranged during the course.

Open to anyone who has completed the Introduction to Basic Beekeeping workshop, this integrated practical and theoretical course is designed to introduce you to the basic competencies you will need to manage a colony of bees. The course comprises six afternoon sessions covering the following topics:

* Annual bee cycle *Honey bees as pollinators

* Apiary hygiene * Sources of nectar & pollen

* Assembling equipment * Manipulation techniques

* Assessing colony temperament * Nectar, pollen, propolis etc

* Bees and similar insects * Protective equipment

* Bee development cycle * Reading brood patterns

* Bee hives and their parts * Residents of the bee colony

* Bee Inspectors * Setting up an apiary

* Brood examination * Swarm control

* Cell types * Treatment of stings

* Feeding * Unwelcome visitors

* Finding and marking the queen * Use of essential tools

* Hive records * Varroa damage

Each participant will receive a comprehensive work book containing the theoretical knowledge underpinning the practical skills and space to record the practical experience gained on the course and subsequently.

Dates: 28th April, 5th, 12th & 26th May, 2nd & 9th June, 2012

(These dates may vary dependent on the weather and the bees' development).

Location: The Apiary, Yealand Conyers, Carnforth, Lancs.

Times: 2-00pm to 5-00pm

Cost: £180 per person

Note: The workshop is limited to 20 places and early booking is strongly advised.