As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, our purpose is to advance the education of the public and beekeepers in the craft of beekeeping and promote the importance of bees in the environment. In order to achieve this, we want to provide training and information to our members and the the wider public.
Training for West Wiltshire BKA Members
We provide members with a range of training opportunities, both formal and informal.
Early every year, before the beekeeping season really gets under way, we offer a Beginners Course for people who are interested in taking up the craft, but have no previous experience at all.
We deliver a Improvers Course for beekeepers with one or two years’ experience, or for those who wish to brush up on their skills. This course will prepare members to take the BBKA Basic Assessment.
At a County level there are opportunities to join study groups to prepare for more advanced qualifications, i.e. the BBKA modules. These study groups are delivered when there is sufficient demand.
In addition to this formal training, our Branch apiary provides members with a wonderful opportunity to work with the club’s colonies, and to spend time together learning “on the job”, swapping success stories, and commiserating about the inevitable disasters all of us have, however experienced we are!
Branch meetings usually take place monthly, and offer a varied programme. Every other month we meet up in person, which provides us with a chance to meet other Branch members in an informal setting and learn or refresh some hands-on beekeeping techniques.
We alternate these face-to-face meetings with a programme of lectures, delivered virtually over Zoom. Using Zoom in this way gives us the opportunity to bring in some world-class experts in a wide variety of bee-keeping specialisms. These talks are always fascinating, thought provoking and engaging.
Presentations about Beekeeping for the Public
If you represent an organisation that would like us to give an informal talk on the craft of beekeeping and the importance role that bees play in the environment, please get in touch with us on Education-WWBKA@outlook.com
Taster Sessions at the Branch Apiary
If you would like to come along to one of our regular Saturday apiary sessions to find out more about beekeeping, you would be very welcome.
These visits will give you the opportunity to see inside a colony of bees. You will be able to find out more about what’s involved in being a beekeeper, including the time commitment, cost and support available. You’ll be able to ask lots of questions and spend some time with beekeepers of all levels of experience, from first year new-bees to veterans with over 60 years’ of practice in the craft. You don’t have to attend with the intention of becoming a beekeeper – if you’re just interested in finding out more about honey bees, that’s fine too!
We have clean beesuits available for loan to visitors, but ask you to bring your own wellies and a clean pair of washing-up gloves.
These sessions cost £10 per person. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us on Education-WWBKA@outlook.com to find out more.