Responsible Beginners' Beekeeping

Responsible Beginners' Beekeeping is a practical one-day course at Tyland Barn designed for anyone curious about bees and the craft of beekeeping. This introductory beekeeping course covers the responsibilities and commitment required to keep honey bees safely where people and other pollinators may be affected, and it is ideal for those considering the hobby of beekeeping.

The day comprises six short presentations that explain colony life, the yearly cycle, and the roles of queen, workers and drones. Sessions are complemented by hands-on demonstrations of common equipment and management techniques using a teaching hive, plus a video to show bees in action. By the end of the course you will understand the basic kit needed, be able to recognise the different bees in a colony, and know how to site and handle a hive with due regard for health and safety of family, neighbours and wildlife.

Led by Roger Simpson, an experienced beekeeper and secretary of Whitstable & Herne Bay Beekeepers and a chair of the Kent Beekeepers Association, the event offers clear, friendly guidance for beginners and prospective hobby beekeepers. The day finishes with practical advice on how to take up beekeeping if you wish to progress. For further information please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.