22nd & 23rd May 2026. (Dates are provisional}
Classes: Thrybergh Country Park. S65 4NU.
and
Practical: Association's Apiary at Thrybergh Country Park. S65 4NU.
Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 10.30am - 4pm.
Tea and Coffee provided.
Cost £20
Send your name and email address via the contact page and you will be contacted as soon as a member of the team is available. To join the course you need to be a full member of the RBKA or a full member of another Association and at least a social member of the RBKA
TO SECURE A PLACE THE COURSE SHOULD BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR BEFORE 1St. MAY.
RBKA beginner's beekeeping course
RBKA runs an excellent beginner's course each year in spring. This course runs over two days and covers a range of topics to help new beekeepers gain knowledge and confidence in managing their own colonies
You are required to attend both days to complete the course.
Saturday 22nd May. Arrive at Thrybergh Country Park at 10am for part 1 of the theory session.
Theory sessions cover topics such as:
-
Honey bee introduction, castes, life cycle, anatomy and physiology
-
Types of beehive and beekeeping tools
-
Swarms and swarm control methods
-
Pests and diseases
-
The beekeeping year
Sunday 23rd May. Thrybergh Country Park at 10:30 for part 2 of the theory session.
On both days when the theory session is finished, around lunchtime, you are expected to make your own way to the Association Apiary at Thryberg Country Park, S65 4NU for the practical sessions.
Practical sessions are held at the RBKA training apiary where you will handle honeybees under the supervision of a experienced beekeepers. These sessions will cover:
-
Hive parts and how to use beekeeping tools
-
How to inspect a hive
-
Finding and marking the queen
-
Identifying healthy brood in all stages
-
Handling and making frames
-
Identifying different castes of bee
Bee suits and all equipment will be provided on the day.
There is a cafe at Thryberg Country Park if you wish to purchase food, snacks, drinks before the start of the practical sessions.
Beginners are strongly advised to take advantage of the sessions run at the apiary every weekend through the summer. There is a lot more to learn than can be covered in a couple of afternoons.
Details can be found on the page "Our Apiary" in the drop down menu under "Resources" on the home page or click on the link.
