Getting Started
SWMBK don't run formal courses, but we welcome guests to join us for a taster session during one of our summer apiary visits.
We also encourage any potential new beekeeper to do an introductory course before taking up beekeeping. This will provide you with sufficient theoretical knowledge to help you get the most from your membership.
Some recommended local providers of beekeeping courses are:
Berkshire Agricultural College in Burchetts Green
Surrey Bees
The British Beekeepers Association also has some helpful guidance on Starting Beekeeping which you ought to read.
We also recommend that you obtain and read a suitable text book on beekeeping, such as Bees and Honey by Ted Hooper.
Beecraft also offers Infographics as part of their commitment to support beekeepers at various levels of their beekeeping studies.
We also encourage any potential new beekeeper to do an introductory course before taking up beekeeping. This will provide you with sufficient theoretical knowledge to help you get the most from your membership.
Some recommended local providers of beekeeping courses are:
Berkshire Agricultural College in Burchetts Green
Surrey Bees
The British Beekeepers Association also has some helpful guidance on Starting Beekeeping which you ought to read.
We also recommend that you obtain and read a suitable text book on beekeeping, such as Bees and Honey by Ted Hooper.
Beecraft also offers Infographics as part of their commitment to support beekeepers at various levels of their beekeeping studies.
Continuing Education:
Once you have become a member of our Society, regular attendance at our summer apiary meetings will help you develop your confidence in handling bees. Our more formal winter meetings will also broaden your knowledge. A good beekeeper maintains healthy colonies of bees with minimum inconvenience to the general public. With commitment, you should become a competent beekeeper within two years.
The BBKA offer a range of courses and examinations that allow you to develop your skills. We encourage our members to obtain the BBKA's Basic Assessment as a minimum qualification. See further information on qualifications in beekeeping
Once you have become a member of our Society, regular attendance at our summer apiary meetings will help you develop your confidence in handling bees. Our more formal winter meetings will also broaden your knowledge. A good beekeeper maintains healthy colonies of bees with minimum inconvenience to the general public. With commitment, you should become a competent beekeeper within two years.
The BBKA offer a range of courses and examinations that allow you to develop your skills. We encourage our members to obtain the BBKA's Basic Assessment as a minimum qualification. See further information on qualifications in beekeeping