Learn, practise and grow
Develop your beekeeping knowledge and practical skills through the FDBKA education programme and Teaching Apiary.
There is always more to learn
Beekeeping is a practical skill. As your experience grows, so do the opportunities to understand more about your bees and develop your confidence in managing them.
Practical learning
FDBKA provides opportunities for members to develop their knowledge and practical skills through the Teaching Apiary and wider education programme.
Much of this learning is hands-on, giving members the opportunity to watch practical beekeeping, discuss what is happening and, where appropriate, practise techniques themselves.
Learn with other beekeepers
Whether you are developing your confidence or looking to extend your existing knowledge, the education programme provides opportunities to learn alongside other members.
Learn with a mentor
After completing the FDBKA Beginners Course, Alan Baxter, our Education Officer, can help arrange a mentor for you.
A mentor gives you the opportunity to continue developing your practical beekeeping skills and confidence as you begin keeping your own bees.
Interested in finding out more? Speak to Alan at education@farehambka.co.uk
The Teaching Apiary
A practical environment for FDBKA members to develop their beekeeping knowledge and skills.
Education Officer Alan Baxter has established the FDBKA Teaching Apiary in a private field between Titchfield and Stubbington.
The apiary has up to 10 colonies in various stages of development, together with a selection of Nucs. Facilities include ample parking, a shed, tables, chairs and a gazebo for the spring and summer.
Practical experience
See practical beekeeping techniques demonstrated and develop your own skills.
Seasonal learning
Education reflects the work and challenges that arise throughout the beekeeping season.
Learn together
Many activities form part of routine inspections and manipulations, creating opportunities to learn together.
What can you learn?
The Teaching Apiary covers a broad range of practical beekeeping subjects.
Looking after your bees
Health inspections, Varroa monitoring and treatment, and Honey Bee Health Certificate preparation.
Managing colonies
Uniting colonies, introducing queens and recognising problems such as drone-laying queens and laying workers.
Working with swarms
Catching and dealing with swarms, together with swarm prevention and control.
Raising new queens
Queen rearing, making up Nucs and introducing new queens.
Your education resources
Current education information and training resources are kept in the Members Area.
Keep your learning up to date
The Members Area is where members can find the latest education information and supporting resources.
You'll find the current education programme, Teaching Apiary information and resources to support your continued learning.
Visit the Members AreaResources available
- Current education programme
- Teaching Apiary location
- BBKA Basic Assessment Syllabus
Thinking about taking the Basic Assessment?
Preparation for the BBKA Basic Assessment forms part of the Teaching Apiary programme.
If you are interested in taking the assessment, speak to Alan Baxter, our Education Officer, who can advise you about preparation and assessment arrangements.
New to beekeeping?
If you are thinking about keeping bees, start with the information designed specifically for beginners.
Start Beekeeping
Find out what beekeeping involves, what you need to get started and what your first year might look like.
Beginners Course
Find out about the FDBKA Beginners Course and take your first steps towards keeping bees.
See what's happening
Current FDBKA events and activities are listed on the Events page.
View FDBKA Events