Beginners’ Course
We run a course for beginner beekeepers every year. The course covers the essential knowledge and skills that all new beekeepers should have before they take delivery of their first colony of bees. The syllabus follows the British Beekeeping Association Introduction to Beekeeping Course and covers the following material:
1) General introduction to beekeeping 2) The colony 3) The hive 4) History of beekeeping 6) Beekeeping year 7) Queens 8) Swarms & swarm control 9) Pests and diseases 10) Plants and hive products 11) Getting started – what happens next?
After the classroom sessions have been completed, there will be two small-group practical sessions at our branch apiary. These sessions are an essential part of the beginners’ course because they provide hands-on experience of working with bees, and essential handling skills.
The dates of the apiary sessions are on our apiary page. The published dates of the practical apiary sessions may have to change if the weather is unsuitable for opening hives for inspection. The 2026 dates have yet to be decided, but will be published when they are available.
Following attendance at both hands-on club apiary sessions we will assign each beginner a mentor to support them through their first beekeeping season. Please note that we are only able to offer mentoring to course participants whose apiary is in West Wiltshire.
Beginners’ Course 2026 – Dates and Venue
The next beginners course begins on the 16th February 2026. The course consists of a block of 6 theory sessions, followed by hands-on practical sessions.
The theory sessions will take place at the Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Westbury. Starting at 19:00 on Monday the 16th February 2025, they will run every Monday evening at the same time until the 23rd March. Each theory session lasts around 2 hours.
The practical sessions will be held on Saturday afternoons at our club apiary. The dates of the practical sessions will be advertised when our apiary manager has checked that the colonies have got through the winter successfully, and that it is warm enough to open them up for inspections. This is usually around late April, but varies depending on the weather.
If you are interested in reserving a place on the 2026 course please e-mail our training officer on education-wwbka@outlook.com
Cost of the Beginners’ Course
The fee for the 2026 Beginners’ Course is £80. In addition to the course fee, you will need to take out full membership of West Wiltshire Beekeepers Association. Membership provides access to a wide range of benefits, including insurance for the practical sessions and mentoring that are part of our Beginners Training package. The annual cost of membership is £42.00. You can apply for membership here.
Attendees are also asked to obtain a copy of the BBKA Guide to Beekeeping, which is required reading and supports the course material.
Book on to the beginners’ course
To find out more, or to book on to the next beginners’ course, please contact our Training Co-ordinator at education-WWBKA@outlook.com
