Learn How To Become A Beekeeper - Taster Sessions

by Yasmin Flemming May 27, 2022

So you're thinking about becoming a beekeeper and wondering where's the best place to start? Although there are no set rules on how to become a beekeeper, no prior qualifications needed to keep honey bees, most who embark on the journey of beekeeping start by taking the wisest route - which is through attending a beginners' course at their local beekeepers association/club.

Joining your local beekeepers association offers many benefits for "newbees"; you'll be mentored by experienced beekeepers, be given invaluable advice and guidance to help you understand the level of responsibility required to becoming a good beekeeper; plus, you'll become a member of The British Beekeepers Association.

However, at this early stage you may not be entirely sure if beekeeping is for you. This is where taster sessions come in - taster sessions are offered by most associations without any level of membership commitment and are a great way to learn about the basics of beekeeping and experience handling a colony of honey bees.

These sessions provide an opportunity to see if you really want to move onto the next stage of investing in equipment and purchasing honey bees - whether you're considering beekeeping as a hobby or as a commercial venture - beekeeping is not cheap, so it's worth taking a taster session or two before spending several hundred pounds.

The cost of taster sessions vary quite a bit depending on location. In places like London a session can cost around £60, whereas, my own local association (Gwent Beekeepers Association), it is £25 for approx. a 2hr session.

To find your local association visit The British Beekeepers Association - here they provide a map listing all the clubs closest to your vicinity.

For those in South East Wales, why not join us at The Holden Apiary & Study Centre at Llanfair Kilgeddin for our taster sessions running through-out June to September. Visit GBK - Taster Sessions to see a list of when sessions are taking place and how to book.

Let's get buzzzzing....