Taking up the craft of beekeeping is not just a case of buying a hive and some bees from the internet. Without the knowledge to look after your bees, this approach is sure to end in tears.

Beginners Theory Course
Our beginners theory course, open to the public, will introduce you to the world of beekeeping and provide you with a solid  foundation from which to start your beekeeping adventure. Run over 5 weeks, the course assumes you have little knowledge of the craft but – when combined with our follow-on practical course – it will provide you with the knowledge to safely manage a real bee hive. The course is normally held in the evenings during early spring. Booking is  via our webshop.

Taster Sessions 
If you have ever thought of taking up the craft beekeeping, this 2-hour session, open to the public,  will introduce potential Beekeepers in the Chelmsford area, to the life cycle of the Honey bee and allow you to see inside a beehive. This session is normally held in late August or early September. Booking is  via our webshop

Sessions available to Members include – 

Perfect Hive Inspection 
A Master Beekeeper shows members the correct way to look through a beehive, using the minimum amount of smoke. The aim is to make the whole process very enjoyable and safe,  whilst minimising the  disruption to the Colony.

Queen Location, Clipping and Marking 
One of our experienced beekeepers shows members  how to find the queen, clip and mark  her, the easy way and talking us through the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.

Varroa Treatment and Autumn feeding
A 2 hour session showing members how to monitor the number of varroa mites in a hive,  how to reduce the infestation and, how to provide the bees with food for the winter.

Honey Extraction 
This session helps members with the  the Honey extraction process: the use of  a variety of uncapping and extraction methods, and the final bottling process.

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Braintree              Colleen Chamberlain      01279 876 333
Colchester           Morag Chase                       01206 522576
Epping Forest     Robin Harman                   07971 237312
Maldon                  Jo Boden.                       07960755731
Romford                Pat Allen                             01708 220 897
Saffron Walden  Jane Ridler                         01279 718 111
Southend              Pat Holden                         07910 858933