Experience Day - “Inside the hive: A peek into the life of a beekeeper “

If you are thinking of keeping your own honey bees, or just interested in finding out more about these fascinating insects, join us on an experience day where we look at the realities of beekeeping, together with the decline in wild bees, and the factors involved.
Part One:
We will look at;
*Why keep honey bees
*How to start - costs and basic equipment 
*Time and commitment needed
*Avoiding stings, what to expect, and levels of seriousness 
*Setting up an apiary 
*Ways of obtaining a small starter colony of honey bees
*Pest and diseases, including the varroa mite and the Asian hornet
*Honey and wax harvesting, and making products from them
*Relevant regulations and enforcement agencies 
*Books, periodicals, beekeeping organisations 
*Defra - The Bee Unit and Bee Base
*The plight of wild bees, and how we can all help in their recovery.
Part Two:
We will look at the main kit and equipment required to start off, including;
*Hives and frames
*Bee suits 
*Hive tools
*Accessories 
Part Three:
We will suit up and walk a short distance (but a bit hilly!),  to the apiary, where we will spend an hour or so opening a few hives, to see what is happening in the colonies.
We will provide tea, coffee and snacks, and you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
We will meet up at a working farm on the outskirts of Daventry. Directions will be included in the information pack . 
Toilets are on-site, and just follow the signs for parking. 
Dates for 2025 are:
Sundays-
*11 May
*25 May
*8 June
* 22 June
*13  July
*27 July
*10 August
The course starts at 10.45, and ends at around 3.30/45pm.
Participant numbers are limited to eight per course, over eighteens only.
If you have, or suspect you may have, a serious allergy to bee stings, you are welcome to attend Parts One and Two only, (we will make a refund to you to compensate for Part Three).
If this experience day is a gift, just let us know the name and address of the participant if you want them to receive details directly- otherwise information will be sent to the purchaser.
PLEASE NOTE: this product is NOT included in any promotional or discount offers.