Introduction to Bees & Beekeeping

Thinking about keeping bees? Our beginners course introduces you to the knowledge and practical skills you need to get started, while helping you decide whether beekeeping is right for you.

FDBKA Beginners Course · 2027

Introduction to Bees & Beekeeping

Thinking about keeping bees? Our beginners course introduces you to the knowledge and practical skills you need to get started, while helping you decide whether beekeeping is right for you.

Apply for the 2027 course

Course overview

Details of the 2027 FDBKA beekeeping course for beginners can be found below. The course is delivered in two parts, combining classroom-based learning with practical beekeeping sessions.

Please use the sections below to explore the course content, locations, suggested reading and payment information.

Part 1 – Theory & Practical

Session 1

Honey Bee, The Colony & Hives

Tuesday 12th Jan

Session 2

Colony Inspection & Beekeeping Year

Tuesday 26th Jan

Session 3

Swarm Management & Control

Tuesday 9th Feb

Session 4

Bee Diseases, Treatments & Hygiene

Tuesday 23rd Feb

Session 5

Harvesting, Marketing & Apiary Set Up

Tuesday 9th Mar

Session 6

Assembly of Hive Components & Frames

Tuesday 23rd Mar

Location & Times

Theory sessions

All sessions will be held at Titchfield Community Centre, Mill Lane, Titchfield, Fareham, PO14 4AB.

Sessions will commence at 7.30pm and finish about 9.00pm.

Course Instructor

Greg Young

Mobile: 07788 174115
Email: greg-young@sky.com

Part 2 – Practical Beekeeping

Subjects covered include

  • The Colony & Hives
  • Colony Inspections
  • Swarm Management & Control
  • Disease Recognition & Treatments
  • Honey Harvesting & Processing
  • Hive Components Assembly

Venue for the Practical Sessions

The venue for the practical sessions is in one of our members' apiaries at Manor Farm Country Park, Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton SO31 1BH.

Dates and times will be confirmed closer to the time depending on weather constraints and the bees!

Course Instructor

Chris Fox
Mobile: 07933 120452

Suggested Reading

Publications
The BBKA Guide to Beekeeping (2015)
I Davis & R Cullum-Kenyon
Guide to Bees and Honey (2010)
Ted Hooper
Haynes Bee Manual (2016)
Claire & Adrian Waring
A Practical Book of Beekeeping (2017)
Davis Cramp
Beginners Bee Book (2014)
Ted Hooper & Clive Bruyn
Get Started in Beekeeping (2015)
Claire & Adrian Waring
Bees at the Bottom of the Garden (2011)
Alan Campion
Websites

Payment Details

Course fee: around £100The course fee has not yet been confirmed. Once confirmed, the following details can be used to make payment.

Preferred payment — Bank Transfer

Lloyds Bank
Sort Code: 30-99-50
Account Number: 51957768
Account Name: FDBKA

Reference: Your name

Payment by Cheque

Payment by cheque is also possible.

Payable to: FDBKA

Please email the Treasurer for address details.

Ready to start beekeeping?

The beginners course is a great way to learn what beekeeping involves before investing in your own equipment and bees.

Apply for the 2027 course