NBBKA runs beginner's courses for new beekeepers in the Spring.

2024 course is now open for registration

Thursday evenings 19:30 to 21:30, weekly from February:

• 22nd Feb 2023
• 29th Feb 2023
• 7th March 2023
• 14th March 2023
• 21st March 2023 (workshop)
• 28th March 2023

Register now to help secure your place.

General description of annual course

The annual beginner's theoretical course starts in mid-March and usually comprises:

• 6 weeks of classroom sessions
• .... 5 weeks of theory
• .... 1 session on how to assemble a hive
• 6+ weeks of outdoor apiary sessions
• .... students get to handle bees
• .... sessions may continue throughout the rest of the season at our teaching apiaries or our members' apiaries in and around MK.

The usual syllabus is below (some weeks cover multiple topics).

• Introduction and overview
• Colony Management
• Swarm control
• The honey harvest
• Preparing for winter
• Feeding
• Pests & diseases
• Hive building
• The beekeeper's year

The price of the next course is still be be finalised but will include a text book and potentially a part year's membership to the association (but not to BBKA). Including membership and book, the price is likely to be around £100 but this will be confirmed during the application process.

Please register now to help secure your place on the next course. Places usually fill fast.