MISSION

Short Beekeeping Course Beekeeper's Beekeeper's Calendar Course

There is now a greater awareness of how important honey bees are to the health of our environment and how essential they are to the burgeoning urban food growing movement. However, there is a declining number of people with the skills to take care of these very important creatures.

HBC realises that many of you have busy lives and may not be able to give either the time or committment to become active beekeepers right now. As most beekeeping courses in London last 6 weeks or more this prevents lots of people who have a general interest being able to learn anything about bees or seeing them working live.

HBC has put together a short course - lasting just over two hours - where you will learn about the lifecycle of the bee as well as some practical things about beekeeping and be able to see inside the hive - and lift a frame or two out if you want. We also use a variety of hives especially our custom-designed horizontal hives - designed to make beekeeping accessible to all.

Up to eight people can attend each course which runs 11 - 1pm usually on a Saturday throughout August and early September and you will be supervised by two experienced beekeepers. Beesuits and gloves are provided, and both men and women should wear outdoor shoes and trousers/jeans that you can tuck into your socks!

Drinks & biscuits will be available at the end of the course and there is sometimes the opportunity (depending on the season) to buy a jar of fresh honey extracted from the hives.

If we just generate enough interest in a few people each year to become beekeepers in the future then we will have achieved our objective to stem the decline in beekeeping numbers.

Location

HBC has a training apiary - called the Biodivesity Engine - in an easy to reach location in Finsbury Park, North London. The bees are surrounded by trees in a tranquil area and kept at a discreet distance from members of the public whilst they go about their business of pollinating all the flowers and trees in the surrounding area.

The location is easy to access via public transport (tube & buses), and car parking is available inside the park (please remember to buy a parkig ticket).

How do I register for a course?

If you would like to attend one of our short courses e mail here and provide your name, and state which day and time slot you would like to attend. We shall confirm your booking via e mail or supply alternative dates( if the session is full), along with specific location details. Each course costs £30 per head and we can also accommodate children of 7 upwards (although we only provide adult bee suits).

We look forward to seeing you while the sun is still shining!

Students in Action at an HBC Apiary

Trainer Andrew operates the HBC Solar Wax Melter

SEE OUR APIMONDIA 2009 PRESENTATION

Introduction to Beekeeping Short Course

Our Next Course will run on:

Saturday July 23rd 11 - 1pm

© Honey Bee Collective 2011