NBBKA run a course each spring - to introduce people to beekeeping. This is a great introduction for newcomers and if one has already kept bees for a year, can lead to an examination and certification.
Education - it is intended that members wishing to study for the BBKA basic beekeeping qualification, study for this in parallel with the next intake of beekeeping beginners, as the sylabus for both courses are similar.
Course commences on Wednesday after Easter
(To qualify the BBKA candidate must have kept Bees for a minimum of one year prior to the course.)
Sue Bird has planned a structure for this BASIC Assessment course:
Comprises of five two hour sessions
|
Session |
Subjects |
Topics covered |
Approximate timing |
|
1 |
Natural History |
Individual lifcycles Basic Anatomy Function of Age related duties of workers |
30 mins 35 mins 15 mins 20 mins 20 mins |
|
2 |
Equipment and Local forage |
Design of common Hives Bee Space Making a frame Tools and clothing Local sources of nectar and pollen Honey sales and hive products |
20 mins 25 mins 15 mins 20 mins 20 mins 20 mins |
|
3 |
Colony Management |
The Beekeeping Year Inspecting a colony Impact of swarming Managing difficult stocks Feeding colonies Other duties. |
35 mins 25 mins 15 mins 10 mins 10 mins 25 mins |
|
4 |
Diseases |
Hygeine Brood diseases and their control Varroosis Adult diseases Statutory requirements Pests Good Apiary Practice |
15 mins 30 mins 20 mins 20 mins 15 mins 10 mins 10 mins |
|
5 |
Swarms |
Reasons for swarms Swarm prevention Swarm control Swarm collection Stings and First Aid Setting up an apiary |
20 mins 15 mins 35 mins 20 mins 15 mins 15 mins |
|
6 |
Practical Session |
Use of the smoker Opening a hive Use of the hive tool Monitoring conditions Identifying eggs,larvae,sealed brood Recognising Healthy brood Identifying Queen, Drones and workers. Taking a sample of bees Controlling the colony Closing a hive Local Forage |
Two hour session candidates working in pairs at a local apiary |