Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we offered an online Beginner's Course for 2021 .

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The course was offered on zoom for the first time and was well attended. Thank you to everyone who took part. 

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Details of the 2022 course will be posted when details are finalised. 

RBKA beginner's beekeeping course

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RBKA runs a fantastic beginner's course each year in spring. This course runs over two days and covers a range of topics to help new beekeepers gain knowledge and confidence in managing their own colonies.

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Theory sessions cover topics such as:

• Honey bee introduction, castes, life cycle, anatomy and physiology

• Types of beehive and beekeeping tools

• Swarms and swarm control methods

• Pests and diseases

• The beekeeping year

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Practical sessions are held at the RBKA training apiary where you will handle honeybees under the supervision of a experienced beekeepers. These sessions will cover:

• Hive parts and how to use beekeeping tools

• How to inspect a hive

• Finding and marking the queen

• Identifying healthy brood in all stages

• Handling and making frames

• Identifying different castes of bee

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Bee suits and all equipment will be provided on the day.

The RBKA training apiary

Beekeeping beginner marking a queen bee at RBKA training apiary