Our course for new beekeepers is well underway. A variety of topics are covered during the evening theory meetings, held at Netherbury Village Hall, delivered by a team of WDBKA members who are all experienced beekeepers. Students have already considered the merits of different hives, frames and foundation. Protective clothing and basic equipment, siting an apiary and colony composition, have also been covered. More recently Ken Bishop gave a practical demonstration on the creation of an artificial swarm as part of his input on swarm prevention and control.
Further sessions will cover bee health and diseases, feeding and overwintering, as well as how to harvest the honey. As the course progresses the students gather a number of handouts to help them to create a file of information as they build their knowledge and understanding.
The theory part of the course is followed by practical sessions in our apiary, where bee suits are available for loan. Close supervision enables prospective beekeepers to gain experience in handling bees as they consider establishing their own colonies.