Basic Foundation Beekeeping Course
Each year the ADBKA runs a Basic Foundation Beekeeping Course for beginner beekeepers, those who have not yet decided to commence beekeeping and others wishing to upgrade or refresh their early experiences.
Individuals are welcome to join either or both of the theory/practical sessions on a ‘taster’ basis where membership of the Association is not immediately required until it is decided that beekeeping is something they wish to progress and take advantage of all that the Association offers.
The course is held weekly on a Saturday morning, usually starting in early April with initial theory sessions for four weeks, followed by practical tuition throughout the summer months albeit dictated by the oft unpredictable Northumbrian weather.
Although targeted primarily at new beekeepers or those with limited experience all are welcome to attend.
There is no charge, nor forward booking required.
As an outline, the course usually comprises;
Week 1
- Different hives options and components, Frame/Wax foundation and differences
- Personal items/equipment required, hygiene aspects and personal safety
Week 2
- Queen, drone & worker bee identification and associated egg, larval and pupal development periods for each
- Identify brood, pollen, nectar in cells and propolis presence/use
- Recognise different types of queen cells
- Understand life cycle of queens, drones and workers and colony changes during the year
- Awareness of healthy/abnormal brood pattern and other patterns
- Awareness of local nectar sources/flowering times, and implications
Week 3
- Hive records and importance
- Colony management
- Awareness of onset of swarming, simple methods of swarm control, swarm management including collection/re-housing of swarms
- Obtaining bees—what to consider
- Nuclei making and use
- Notifiable diseases and reporting of these, plus other pests, treatments, veterinary medicines and record keeping
- Preparations for winter
Week 4
- Location of apiary/out apiary & requirements.
- Needs eg access, security, public concerns, animal presence
- Hygiene-dealing with old comb, wax extraction, cleaning woodwork, frame replacement. General apiary hygiene
- Honey extraction and honey label regulations
Each theory session lasts approximately one hour, is informal and with plenty of time for questions. From 2026 it will be held in a new on-site training building with hot drinks provided as required.
Thereafter, following a review of how to light a smoker, use a hive tool, why inspecting, how to open a hive with care, what to look for, when to open a hive vs weather & nectar flow, when to stop, asking for advice, and stings practical sessions commence covering all the above topics.
The nature and timing of these practical sessions depends on the weather and colony development.
If you are interested….
Each year details of when the course starts, how to get there, what it will cover and other administrative information will be updated on this site.
We have bee-suits in all sizes available for people to borrow for the practical sessions. The only items you need are a pair of wellies, tight fitting marigold gloves and reading glasses (if you wear them).
If you would like more details then please contact the Secretary in the first instance.
Alnwick and District Beekeepers Association 