{"id":84,"date":"2021-10-11T15:41:42","date_gmt":"2021-10-11T15:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/westhertsbees.org.uk\/subdomainsbeta\/?page_id=84"},"modified":"2025-10-07T14:34:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T14:34:43","slug":"training-courses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/westhertsbees.org.uk\/index.php\/training-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"Training Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WHBKA \u2013 Introduction to Beekeeping<\/em> Course<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our experienced members are happy to share their passion for beekeeping with those who may be interested in keeping bees. We welcome potential beekeepers to come and meet the bees and other members of the society at taster sessions throughout the summer. New members will be joining a friendly and committed group who believe that keeping bees is an enjoyable way of contributing to the sustainability of our local environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We invite Beginner Beekeepers as guests to \u201cMeet the Bees Sessions<\/em>\u201d at the association apiary at Croxley Green. The workings of the bee colonies are demonstrated by experienced beekeepers.  Guests are provided with bee suits for the afternoon session and may observe or take a more active part. This is followed by tea and biscuits and a time to chat and ask questions We hope that all who enjoy the experience of these sessions will then join the Beginners Course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We typically organise the West Herts Introduction to Beekeeping<\/em> Course to run between February to April. It is helpful to have attended a Meet the Bees <\/em>Session but not essential and we welcome all. The course, with interesting visuals, is designed to provide prospective beekeepers with the knowledge and skills to keep and manage their first bees.\u00a0 The course is based around a beginners\u2019 beekeeping text and supported by additional specialist materials. The 2026 Course will be held as previous years, on five Saturday afternoons in a local village hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Course includes practical sessions and is followed by hands on apiary sessions from April onwards, as soon as the weather is warm enough to open the association bee colonies. Beginner beekeepers are given careful advice on hive type and have access to Thorne\u2019s 1st<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> grade equipment, priced with a substantial discount and available from the association stores. Beginners also have access to Sherriff and BBWear bee-suits with a West Herts discount. Assistance is provided in ordering a nucleus of bees. A local, experienced beekeeper will act as your mentor for the first year. Members of the Beginners Course become Country Members of the West Herts Beekeepers Association to receive the monthly BBKA magazine and then up-grade to full membership, usually the following year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course will provide a solid foundation for those who wish to progress onto the British Beekeepers Association\u2019s Basic Assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in taking up the rewarding and practical craft of beekeeping, we should like to hear from you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more details on training options and requests to join West Herts Beekeepers\u2019 Association please email us with your name, phone number and home location as follows:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n