Please note: – the 2024 Beginner Beekeeping course is now FULLY BOOKED. Please use the contact form at the bottom to register interest for the 2025 Beginner Beekeeping Course.
Beginner Beekeeping Course with HRBKA
Our 3 term Beginner Beekeeping courses begin in January each year. Classes are held on Monday evenings in Harrogate and at our apiaries around the district. This course has been developed for complete beginners but it is also useful for beekeepers who want to improve their knowledge or who need a refresher course. All of our courses are taught by experienced members of the Harrogate & Ripon Beekeepers Association.
Successful completion of the course will provide all the skills and knowledge you need to take the Basic Assessment of the BBKA in your second season. The cost of taking this assessment is not included in the course fee but on successfully passing your Basic Assessment the association will fully refund your fees!
2025 Beginner Beekeeping Course
Term 1 – Starting on Monday 13th of January 2025 and continuing on alternate Mondays. This term comprises 6 lectures plus one practical hive building session on either 22nd or 23rd March 2025. (These hive-building dates may be subject to change)
These classroom-based sessions cover all you need to know to keep bees safely and well in your first year. Topics include Choosing an Apiary Site; Equipment; Natural History and Anatomy of Honey bees. You will also learn to keep accurate records and recognise potential pests and diseases.
The half day practical hive-building session covers the assembly of flat-pack hive components, including frames and foundation.
Term 2 – starting late May/early June 2025, comprising 8 practical sessions on a weekly basis
This second term provides tuition in practical bee-handling skills and is designed to help you handle bees safely, and to keep them healthy. First, you will be taught how to inspect, handle and care for bees by an experienced beekeeper, using colonies belonging to HRBKA. Then you will be encouraged to practise and develop these skills yourself. Finally, at the end of this term you have an opportunity to buy bees through the association from an approved supplier, at which point you can transfer them to your own hive and take them home. (Subject to availability).
Review of Course 1st Season and Q&A session September 2025 (7pm – 1 evening session) Date tbc
This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and have them answered by the Course Tutors, in an informal and relaxed environment.
Term 3 – starting mid-January 2026 and continuing on alternate Mondays.
After your first beekeeping season, six more classroom-based sessions are provided. They are structured to build upon Year 1 lessons, to reinforce the learning you have already acquired. These more advanced sessions increase your knowledge and experience, helping you manage the best possible start to your second season of beekeeping. Modules on ‘Honey’ and ‘Wax Processing’ are included, equipping you with the skills to harvest your honey crop. ‘Understanding UK regulations’ for honey also enables you to process and present it well, for sale, show or gifts.
By the end of your third term on the Beginner Beekeeping Course you will have been provided with the knowledge and practical experience to equip you to take the British Beekeeping Association Basic Assessment.
Fees for the 2025 course will be published here in due course.
For more information or to register your interest for the next available HRBKA Beginner Beekeeping Course, please use the form below