Sustainable beekeeping

Weekend course in the Forest of Dean

How can we ensure the survival of honey bees? This course covers the management of bees, and natural ways to take care of them.

Beekeepers and non-beekeepers welcome. The course is run by Monmouth-based international charity Bees for Development, specialists in sustainable beekeeping worldwide.

Course content

• Meet the bees - a hands-on look at a honey bee colony
• The natural lifecycle of honey bees - basic bee biology and ecology
• Being a beekeeper - what does 'keeping bees' really mean?
• The relationship between bees and flowers - pollination, plants & biodiversity
• Honey bees in the landscape - seeing like a bee
• The relationship between bees and people - a history of bees and beekeeping
• Keeping bees healthy - what to do and when to act
• Making and building low-cost hives - practical demonstration
• Beekeeping and sustainability - what does the future hold?

"It was friendly, accommodated various levels of knowledge, and offered a vision of sustainability in beekeeping without being prescriptive. I think we were all inspired! The balance of theory and practice was just right."

Course cost: £175 including VAT, covering all tuition, all (delicious) meals and refreshments.  Shared accommodation is available if required, £15 supplement per person.
Click here for booking form. There are different payment options (see the booking form). To pay using our online store follow this link.

Venue: Ragmans Lane Farm, GL17 9PA

Contact Bees for Development: Phone 01600 714848

"Changing my preconceptions about bees, beekeeping and worldwide bee issues"

Course dates for 2013:

6-7 April 2013
21-22 September 2013