Wimbledon Beekeepers' Association
A Division of the Surrey Beekeepers' Association
'The course was excellent value for money. I really appreciate the time and effort put in by the trainers. I cannot praise them too highly.'
'The course was well structured, well delivered and well humoured all in all and I really enjoyed it.'
'An excellent course, provide by experienced, knowledgeable and friendly teachers. Thank you so much.'
Over the last 15 years a number of new members have taken up the craft after attending our very popular courses.
They are designed for both those who are interested in starting beekeeping and those who just wish to know more about bees
***Beekeeping for Beginners Course***
Fully booked!
This very popular course will be run over 6 Monday evenings in The Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Park and 4 Sunday mornings in the Association’s apiary in Morden Hall Park. You will be provided with course notes, a textbook and a notepad/pen to take down your own notes.
For the practical sessions we will lend you a protective beesuit, but please supply your own stout shoes or wellington boots and a pair of rubber gloves (Marigolds are good).
The course comprises:
Monday 24th Feb Introduction & Biology
Monday 9th March Equipment & Tools
Monday 16th March Disease & Hygiene
Monday 23rd March Colony Management
Monday 30th March Swarm Prevention
Monday 13th April Planning Apiary Visit
Practical sessions start at 10:00 in the teaching apiary, Morden Hall Park
Sunday 19th April Apiary practical
Sunday 26th April Apiary practical
Sunday 3rd May Apiary practical
Sunday 10th May Apiary practical
*** New - 'Beekeeping Taster Days' ***
A pot of Morden Hall Honey for all attendees
On either Saturday 27th June or Sunday 12th July at 10:30am
In the Snuff Mill, Morden Hall Park.
(Maximum number of attendees per session is 8, lasting approximately 3 hours)
Cost £55
What goes on in the mysterious world of the beehive?
With guidance from Wimbledon Beekeepers’ Association’s beekeepers, you will have the opportunity to take a look inside a hive and discover the fascinating craft of beekeeping.
The session will consist of a practical introduction into the world of the honey bee and experience some of the various tasks a beginner needs to master. You’ll be able to see inside a hive, hold a frame with honey bees on and get to know if beekeeping is something for you.
Some of the basic beekeeping skills you will learn are:
- Examine hive parts and how they all go together
- An introduction to some of the equipment beekeepers use
- Wearing a bee suit, using a smoker and the hive tool
- Help opening a hive and remove frames for inspection
- Look and identify the different castes of bee i.e. queen, worker and drone
- Find the queen (hopefully!) and recognise the difference between honey stores and brood
- Understand about the management of disease and pests
***A full beesuit and gloves will be provided but please wear a pair of stout shoes or wellington boots***
Please note: In case of inclement weather we reserve the right to cancel for the bees’ protection
All courses will be held at:
The Snuff Mill & Our Teaching Apiary
in
Morden Hall Park
Morden Hall Road
Morden
London SM4 5JD
near Morden Station on the Northern Line Underground