Education / Learning
CBKA is actively involved in educational projects across the county, teaching the craft of beekeeping and about the issues surrounding the plight of bees. Bee populations are in decline nationally and the current population of beekeepers is getting older all the time. It is to this end that we continue to encourage people, especially younger people, to get involved, to ensure a healthy future for beekeeping.
We are able to come and give talks to schools and other groups – please get in touch to find out how we can tailor a talk or display to your requirements.
Our members and local colleges also offer a number of courses aimed at new and improving beekeepers, which are listed below (the CBKA does not endorse any particular courses).
Beekeeping course at Plymouth University
Beginners course held annually – dates for 2023 are to be arranged. The course is designed to teach you all you need to know to take your first steps in beekeeping.
It includes practical handling of bees, courtesy of Plymouth University’s Sustainability Department as well as class room theory.
Taught by the bee keeping tutor for Plymouth University, Mark Edwards. For more info please email markiedwards@hotmail.co.uk, call 01503 250471 or search ‘Edwards Beekeeping’ on social media.
Beekeeping Courses at Probus CP School
A course taught by Colin Rees, through Adult Education
BBKA’s “Introduction to Beekeeping”. Learn how to embark upon the craft of beekeeping; choose and acquire your bees and hives; follow the seasonal life cycle of the bees; utilise hive products. Learn all you need to know to become a beekeeper and manage your bee colonies.
Autumn Term 2022/23 - 24/09/22, 15/10,22, 12/11/22 and 26/11/22.
Spring Term 2022/23 - 28/01/23, 04/02/23, 25/02/23 and 11/03/23.
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01872 308000 or 01736 335149 or visit WWW.TRURO-PENWITH.AC.UK
or contact Colin Rees on 01872 501313 direct.
An Introduction to Beekeeping at Tregothnan
Tregothnan, the home of English grown tea, host experience days spent in their own apiaries.
An ideal way of learning the workings of a bee colony, this beginners’ one day beekeeping course provides an introduction to the world of honeybees and beekeeping.
See tregothnan.co.uk/shop/experiences/beekeeping
Beekeeping Courses at Duchy College
1. Basic Bee Keeping Part 1
The Basic Bee Keeping Part 1 is a 2 term course of 36 hours providing a grounding in beekeeping. This course aims to get you started before getting your bees.
The course is an excellent grounding for those wishing to keep bees and involves lectures, practical demonstrations, sharing of experiences along with answers to those unsure of whether to keep bees or not. All teaching takes place at Rosewarne where West Cornwall Beekeepers Association has an outdoor apiary.
2. Beekeeping Introduction (Part 2)
This course is the second and final part of the Bee Keeping Introduction course. It is a follow on for those who have completed part 1 and have at least 1 year’s experience of keeping bees.
For more information on the courses run at Duchy College, see their Beekeeping Introduction course information or email enquiries@cornwall.ac.uk.