Where: Old Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharpthorne, West Sussex, RH19 4JL
When: 11 Sep 2010 to 12 Sep 2010 – From 9.30-17.00
Bee Garden of the Natural Beekeeping Trust in Sussex
Event Information
The aim of this two-day course is to give individuals sufficient knowledge and confidence to start natural beekeeping with a colony of their own. The course will start with an introduction to the principles of biodynamic farming and husbandry. Morning sessions will be classroom-based covering the history of beekeeping, the life and nature of a bee colony, promoting good health and managing ill health, planting for bees, how to work with the swarming impulse, catching and hiving swarms, siting beehives and preparing colonies for winter. Throughout the course natural bee activity will be linked to the Natural Beekeeping Trust Guidelines and Demeter beekeeping standards. The afternoon activity will be more practical (weather permitting). Participants will approach colonies in an apiary and be taught how to observe bee activity and judge the colony mood. Students will analyze activity at hive entrances, and through windows in hive boxes, in order to deduce the condition and status of the colony. Students will explore how the fundamental needs of colonies can be accommodated in the Warré hive as well as other modern hives in use today. Any bee-appropriate manipulation of hives likely to be needed throughout the season will be explained or demonstrated. Essential beekeeping equipment, relevant literature and other practical considerations such as forage through the seasons, relations with neighbours, dealing with stings etc. will be discussed when appropriate. The course is suited for beginners as well as existing beekeepers wishing to adopt a holistic approach to caring for bees. Students enrolling for this course are encouraged to send any specific questions and concerns in writing, together with their application details, and we shall do our best to meet these during the course. To reserve a place please contact Anne@naturalbeekeepingtrust.org or telephone Anne Damerell on 01342-823324
