Beekeeping Experience
This is a half day course for people who are considering whether beekeeping is for them, or people who are just interested in bees and how they live.
We'll spend a fascinating three hours learning about the bees, hives, how beekeepers look after their bees, some of the problems the bees face, and of course honey.
Most exciting of all, we'll get you into a bee suit and show you inside a hive. You'll be able to get as up close with them as you feel confident with (but no pressure!).
We have a maximum group size of six* to make sure that everyone gets the full experience.
The course costs £49 per person and is available on weekends throughout the summer. If you're interested, please drop us a line with any questions and we can sort out a date for you to visit us. (Unfortunately we aren't able to accommodate children under 10).
2025 Bee Experience Dates:
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19th July
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16th August
If you've already decided beekeeping is for you, please have a look at our Beekeeping for Beginners course, as we think that will be more suitable for you.
A typical experience will run from 1000-1300 or 1300-1600. The schedule will depend on the time of year and the weather, but typically might be:
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Welcome tea and coffee
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Introduction
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Understanding the colony, types of bees and their jobs in the hive
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What is a bee hive and how does it work?
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Why do we keep bees?
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What does a beekeeper actually do?
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What is a swarm and what should you do if you see one?
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What bees do for us, and the problems the bees face
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Tea break
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The equipment a beekeeper uses
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Take part in (or just watch) a practical hive inspection
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Review of what we saw
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Final summary and questions
Also included are:
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A delicious cream tea
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A jar of Pepperpot honey to take home
Please bring:
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Wellies or sturdy boots with ankle coverage
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Clothing appropriate for the weather (please check the forecast)
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Epipen if you have an allergy to bee stings (essential that you let us know in advance)
If you leave having had a really fun day and with a better understanding of the incredible world of bees we'll be delighted, but if you're bitten by the bug and feel like you might want to start beekeeping yourself, then we'd love to see you again on our Beekeeping for Beginners Course!
*Other than by prior arrangement. Group discounts are available for four or more in a group.