Beekeeping Taster Day

This is a one-day beekeeping course with one of our local bee farmers, Toby Martin (Melder Kernow). He has experience with bees across three continents (Africa, Asia, Europe), and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

The course is ideal for those interested in honeybees or considering becoming a beekeeper. Toby will teach you everything you need to know to get you started in beekeeping, you'll have a BBwear suit to wear when visiting the bees and you'll get a jar of honey to take away at the end of the day.

Day plan

Arrival at 10 for 10.15 start

There are 2 sites where we hold these courses, meet us here at 10am;

Cornwall - Zennor, near St Ives

Exmoor - Exmoor

Morning theory session

10:15 - 12:30

You'll learn everything you need to know to get you started in beekeeping we will teach you about honeybees, their life cycle, myths, swarms, colony management and information about the pests and diseases. You will also learn about the different types of bee hives, tools, protective clothing and equipment needed.

Hive types include - Nucs, CDB, Poly hives, Arkus, Smith, Langstroth, Dadant.

Lunch

12:30 - 13:00

We can provide a pasty for an extra £4 or you can bring a packed lunch - Drinks provided.

Afternoon practical session

13:00 - 15:30

After lunch we will get you to build hives and frames with bees wax foundation before we take you out to inspect the bees. We will inspect a full hive together as a group and then you can go through nucleus hives in pairs. After the days events we'll give you a jar of honey each to take home and enjoy.