Our Beekeeping theory classes and other winter lectures have been taking place at the Teignbridge District Scout Headquarters in Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot (unless otherwise directed).

In future we may hold our sessions at the new Branch clubhouse.

click for directions

Education

We consider it of paramount importance that beekeepers have the correct knowledge and experience to look after their bees properly. There are important things to understand about how bees live and what we can do to ensure they are healthy and productive.

Many of our members continue their education in beekeeping past the Basic Course, finding that it opens many other avenues of interest and study.

Basic Beekeeping Course 2010/11
(Please note - this course is in the planning stage)

The Clay Lane apiary is open to all members on Saturday from 2.00pm during the summer. This is particularly useful to those who have just attended the beginners' course. During the autumn and winter months we have a program of lectures and discussions about beekeeping.

Further Learning

Beginners are prepared for the Basic Assessment, (download syllabus from BBKA) which they are encouraged to take in their second year of beekeeping. Please read the series of 3 articles which appeared in the BBKA News about taking the Basic Assessment:

Taking the Basic Assessment - part 1
Taking the Basic Assessment - part 2
Taking the Basic Assessment - part 3

Those beekeepers who are interested in further study are guided in their preparations for the various British BKA Examination Board modules ranging from management, biology, behaviour, diseases, breeding to anatomy, history and microscopy.
See the BBKA website for full details
See BBKA assessments page

Recommended reading:

Guide to Bees & Honey
by Ted Hooper
Publisher: Northern Bee Books (2008)
ISBN-10: 1904846246

Teach Yourself Beekeeping
by Adrian and Claire Waring
Publisher: Teach Yourself (2006)
ISBN-10: 0340925639

Practical Beekeeping
by Clive de Bruyn
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd (1997)
ISBN-10: 1861260490