Education and Training

Ready to Begin Your Beekeeping Journey? Join Our "Starting Beekeeping" Course! If you’ve decided to take the leap into the buzzing world of beekeeping, this is the perfect next step. Our two-session course is designed for those who already have a foundational understanding of beekeeping or some hands-on experience, and are ready to start keeping honey bees with confidence and success. What You’ll Gain: This course covers all the essentials to equip you for a thriving beekeeping venture, including:

• The Lifecycle of Honey Bees: Discover their fascinating journey from egg to adult and how it impacts the hive.
• Mastering Colony Inspections: Learn the rules of hive inspections and the tools of the trade.
• Hives, Frames & Swarm Management: Understand hive construction, the importance of bee-space, and how to handle swarming.
• Managing Pests & Diseases: Get the skills to identify and address common challenges affecting your bees.
• Apiary Setup & Safety: Learn how to choose the best site for your apiary, handle health and safety, and begin your beekeeping journey with confidence.

Hands-On Experience: Each session includes practical, hands-on experience inspecting colonies and handling bees (weather permitting), so you can put theory into practice under expert guidance. Course Details:

• Dates: 28 June & 5 July 2025
• Duration: Two 3-4 hour sessions
• Cost: £70.00
• Contact: For more information or to secure your spot, email Kathy Hobson at [email protected]

Step into the world of beekeeping fully prepared and ready to thrive. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to start this exciting new chapter with Swindon and District Beekeepers. 🐝

Sharpen Your Beekeeping Skills with SDBKA's Summer Apiary Sessions! Looking to enhance your beekeeping expertise or get your first taste of working with honey bee colonies? Swindon and District Beekeepers' regular summer apiary skills sessions are perfect for you! These hands-on gatherings are ideal for current beekeepers aiming to refine their techniques and for beginners eager to experience the fascinating world of beekeeping.

Why Join Our Apiary Skills Sessions?

These sessions are packed with insights and practical guidance, including:

• Mastering the 'Golden Rules' of Hive Inspections: Learn the essential practices and understand why they’re so important for successful beekeeping.
• Enhancing Colony Inspection Habits: Build confidence through regular inspections and develop a keen eye for what to watch out for in your hives.
• Swarm Prevention & Seasonal Management: Gain valuable tips on avoiding swarming through artificial swarm techniques and managing other seasonal challenges.
• Community & Knowledge Sharing: Connect with fellow beekeepers, share experiences, and seek advice for any challenges you’re facing.

When and Where?

• Location: SDBKA Apiary
• Day: Saturdays throughout the summer season
• Contact: To check dates and join the buzz, get in touch with Kathy Hobson at [email protected]

Whether you’re honing your skills or just starting out, these sessions are an invaluable opportunity to grow as a beekeeper and deepen your understanding of honey bee care. Don’t miss out—get in touch today and take your beekeeping journey to the next level! 🐝

Achieve Your Basic Beekeeping Certificate with SDBKA! Are you ready to take your beekeeping skills to the next level and gain formal recognition for your knowledge and experience? Completing the Basic Beekeeping Certificate is a fantastic milestone for any aspiring or seasoned beekeeper looking to deepen their understanding and confidence in honey bee management. Why Pursue the Basic Beekeeping Certificate? This qualification is an excellent way to:

• Solidify Your Beekeeping Foundation: Demonstrate your knowledge of honey bee biology, behaviour, and hive management.
• Boost Your Skills: Enhance your practical capabilities through hands-on experience and expert guidance.
• Build Confidence: Feel prepared to tackle the challenges of beekeeping with greater assurance.
• Join a Respected Community: Gain recognition within the beekeeping community and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.

What’s Involved? To complete the Basic Beekeeping Certificate, you’ll be assessed on both theory and practical skills:

• Theory Assessment: Show your understanding of key topics like bee lifecycles, hive management, swarming, and pest control.
• Practical Skills Test: Demonstrate essential skills, including hive inspection, identifying colony conditions, and applying beekeeping techniques.

Preparation for the certificate typically includes attending beekeeping courses, gaining hands-on experience, and studying recommended reading materials. How to Get Started: The Swindon and District Beekeepers Association offers expert guidance and resources to help you prepare for this important certification. Whether you’re attending one of our courses or joining apiary skills sessions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For more information about the Basic Beekeeping Certificate and how to prepare, reach out to us at [email protected]. Embark on this rewarding journey and take your place among Swindon’s dedicated beekeepers. 🐝

Join the BBKA Module Study Network with SDBKA! Are you considering undertaking a British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) module to deepen your knowledge and enhance your beekeeping expertise? At Swindon and District Beekeepers, we’re here to support you on your learning journey! Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your studies, we can help connect you with a network of fellow learners and active study groups across the Wiltshire area. Why Join a Study Group? Participating in study groups offers several benefits, including:

• Shared Learning: Collaborate with others who share your passion for beekeeping and gain insights from their experiences.
• Focused Support: Study groups provide a structured environment to help you stay motivated and make steady progress through the BBKA modules.
• Access to Resources: Tap into shared materials, tips, and expertise to make your preparation more effective and enjoyable.
• Community Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and expand your network within the Wiltshire beekeeping community.

How Can We Help? We can connect you with:

• Active study groups throughout Wiltshire
• Other individuals preparing for BBKA modules
• Resources and guidance to support your studies

If you’re ready to take on a BBKA module or want to learn more about study groups, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Together, we can make your beekeeping education as enriching and rewarding as possible. 🐝

Learn Specialised Beekeeping Skills with SDBKA! Looking to expand your expertise in honey extraction or wax processing? Swindon and District Beekeepers offer special training and demonstration sessions tailored to your needs. These sessions are designed to help you master essential techniques and make the most of your beekeeping journey. Need Help with Other Beekeeping Skills? If there’s a specific beekeeping skill you’d like to learn or improve, we’d love to hear from you! Simply get in touch with the committee, and we’ll do our best to provide the guidance or training you need. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Let us help you take your beekeeping skills to the next level! 🐝

Discover the Fascinating World of Beekeeping Microscopy with SDBKA! Microscopy is an incredible skill that opens up new dimensions of discovery for beekeepers. Whether you’re examining the intricate anatomy of honey bees, identifying pollen types, or diagnosing diseases like acarine and nosema, microscopy is not only useful but also endlessly fascinating and enjoyable. To learn more or get involved, contact us at [email protected]. Let’s explore the microscopic marvels of beekeeping together! 🐝🔬