BEGINNERS COURSE
Introductory Course to Beekeeping Spring 2027
Torbay Beekeepers will be running an Introduction to Beekeeping course in 2027, please contact Alan Rowse for more details.
Dates and Venue to be confirmed
Week 1 – Introduction
What is a honey bee.
Importance of beekeeping
Local and national support from BBKA DBKA Equipment basics
The colony
The queen, workers, drones
Division of labour within the hive
Individual life cycles
Week 2 – The Beekeeping Year
Preparation for winter
Spring management
Summer build up
Honey harvest
The bees nest
Hive components
– Bees, Plants and Hive Products
Pollination, nectar and honey
Local forage plants
Wax, Propolis and pollen
Selling honey
Week 3 – Swarms
Reasons for swarming
Primary swarms and casts
Swarm control
Swarm prevention
Swarm collection
Week 4 – Pests and Diseases
Pests
Brood Diseases
Adult Diseases
Varroa
Week 5 – Statutory requirements
Practical aspects to be covered at the apiary
Getting Started
Joining your local Association
Siting and setting up an Apiary
Week 6 – Practical – Held at the Cockington apiary
Necessary clothing and equipment
Buying your first colony of bees
Making frames
* Session content is subject to change