Beekeeping Theory (Course cancelled) (OL03L73D)

Course overview

You will obtain all the necessary theoretical knowledge required to keep honey bees which will prepare you should you wish to become a beekeeper and handle live bees. There will be a practical beekeeping course in May 2021 to put the theory into practice.

Where This is an online course.

When Wednesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 24th February 2021 until 24th March 2021 for 5 weeks.

Cost The full fee is £66.00. The concessionary fee is £34.00.

What you already need to know

This course is suitable for complete beginners and those who would like to refresh their knowledge.

What you will learn

- The anatomy and lifecycle of a worker, drone and queen bee
- Understanding how the honey bee colony works
- The role of a beekeeper
- How to get started
- The hive and all its components
- The personal equipment required and how to use it
- Setting up an apiary
- Bee swarm prevention and control
- Capturing and hiving a swarm
- Bee and colony health, controlling diseases and pests
- Overwintering bees
- The beekeeping year and record keeping.
- Harvesting honey, collecting pollen and propolis
- Dealing with problems
- Observing health and safety when handling bees
- Arranging insurance in rural and urban areas

How you will learn it

You will learn from tutor demonstrations, practical application of knowledge, class participation and discussion, video footage and handouts.
This is a theory course, giving you the opportunity to learn and prepare for keeping and caring for bees.

Bring to the first session

ACRES' online courses will be taught in real time using the video platform Google Meet, supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time.

You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or phone) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though it is not essential, you may choose to create a separate email account for your online learning (preferably Gmail which is most compatible with Google Meet). This will give you the added security to allow you to share your email address with your tutor and other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

At the start of the course and before each lesson your tutor will send you an invitation with a link to join the class and any further information including resources and equipment you will need for the lesson.

Extra study or practice

You will be given additional research to carry out at home if you wish to do so, but this will be optional.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

"Amazing course, I have learnt loads"
"Steve really knows his stuff"
"I am so excited to be finally getting my own bees. Steve has given me all the information I need and is on hand for advice along the way"

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

Steve will consolidate what has been learnt during the Theory course with a Beekeeping Practical course in the summer where you can have hands on experience of handling the bees and the care of the hive. The Practical course is at Uckfield College on 3 consecutive Saturdays and gives an opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and confidence, particularly if you are starting out with your own bees.

Practical course dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd May 2021

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit our website at www.acreslearning.org.uk, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.