Welcome to our dedicated Teaching Apiary—a hands-on environment designed to build confidence and excellence in beekeeping. Whether you are a new starter or a seasoned keeper looking to refine your technique, our sessions provide a supportive space to learn among peers.
What to Expect
Our programme runs every Sunday from April 26th through August 9th (weather permitting). Each session focuses on a specific study topic, ensuring a comprehensive look at the beekeeping calendar.
The primary aim of the apiary is to help members brush up on their practical skills. We place a strong emphasis on preparing members for the BBKA Basic Assessment, covering everything from colony health checks to swarm management.
Who Can Attend?
The Teaching Apiary is open to all members of the Ipswich & East Suffolk branch. It is a fantastic opportunity to get "hands-on" with the bees under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Location & Schedule
When: Sundays, April 26th – August 9th
Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Where: The Ipswich & East Suffolk BKA - Teaching Apiary at Wherstead Park IP9 2BJ
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Join a Session
To ensure we have the right ratio of mentors to students, we ask all members to book their spot in advance.
Note: Please remember to bring your clean beesuit and footwear. If you need to borrow equipment, please let us know via the sign-up form.
Date
Subject
Details
Sign-up Sheet
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Wk 2 - Swarm Control Basics
An elementary description of swarming in a honeybee colony. Talk through one method of swarm control. Describe how to take a swarm and how to hive it.
An elementary account of the development of queens, workers, and drones in the honeybee colony. State the periods spent by the female castes and the drone in the four stages of their life (egg, larva, pupa, and adult).
Learn about the local flora from which honey bees gather pollen and nectar. What is nectar? How is it collected, brought back to the hive, and is converted into honey? Learn about the importance of Pollen, water and propolis.
Our Annual Bee Safari is a great day. We visit the apiaries of members of the association, in a different area each year. It is really interesting to see how others are set up and the locations they are using. We have our National Bee Unit inspectors with us and they will lead and inspect all the colonies and point out instances of pests and diseases as we go.
You will need to bring a packed lunch and water, but we will be meeting in a building where there are toilets and water
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Wk 8 - Requeening
Learn a method of queen introduction, how to unite colonies and what precautions should be taken.
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