Education & Training

Oliver St. John is the Education Coordinator for EGBKA; please contact them directly for more information or with any questions.

For dates and times of any of the activities listed below, please refer to the Events page.

Beekeeping Taster Day 2024

Training in class

Overview:

  • Meet at 8:30 AM the Haven Centre, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down, RH10 4LJ.
  • Free parking.
  • Lunch & refreshments provided.
  • Depart to our Apiary in Turners Hill around 2 PM.
  • Day to finish around 4 PM.

What we will cover:

  • Honeybee biology and ecology.
  • The equipment you will need to keep bees.
  • The gadgets you can buy.
  • The pests and diseases to watch out for.
  • The flowers you can plant to help bees and other pollinators.
  • Where to get your own bees.
  • Choosing a hive.
  • Management through the year.
  • Hands-on experience with a colony of bees, at our apiary (weather permitting).

Booking & preparation:

  • Cost is £75, or £95 including membership. Email Oliver St. John with any queries.
  • Bring a bee suit, or long-sleeved top (not wool) and trousers; Wellington boots; and a notepad & pen.
  • Only 20 spaces available.
  • Booking to be arranged via Eventbrite.

Basic & Improvers / BBKA Basic Assessment

EGBKA has rapidly become one of the most succesful Divisions in Sussex for encouraging its members to attain the BBKA Basic Assessment. Often called the 'driving licence' for beekeepers, the assessment examines your handling skills and a basic level of theory.

There is a one-day training course covering the theoretical elements of the assessment, with practical training in the Apiary. Even if you don't take the assesment, the training will boost your knowledge and skills.

Local talks and events aimed at beekeepers can be found on the Events page.

Modules (Examinations)

As part of thge BBKA's Education system, there are 7 different Modules:

  • Module 1 - Honey Bee Management
  • Module 2 - Honey Bee Products and Forage
  • Module 3 - Honey Bee Pests, Diseases and Poisoning
  • Module 5 - Honey Bee Biology
  • Module 6 - Honey Bee Behaviour
  • Module 7 - Selection & Breeding of Honey Bees
  • Module 8 - Honey Bee Management, Health and History

Studying for these will vastly improve your beekeeping knowledge and skills.

The deadline for 21st March exams is 10th February.

Practical Assessments

In addition to the Basic Assessment, with the appropriate experience, beekepers can be assessed on:

  • Junior Certificate
  • Basic Certificate
  • General Husbandry Certificate
  • Advanced Husbandry Certificate
  • Microscopy Certificate
  • Show Judge Certificate
  • Honey Bee Breeding
  • Honey Bee Health

Passing all the modules plus the Basic, General Husbandry and Advanced Husbandry assessments sees you awarded Master Beekeeper.

More info on the BBKA website.

Practical Training

Training at the apiary

At the EGBKA apiary, practical training happens most weekends during the spring to autumn season in the form of hive inspections with more formal scheduled training sessions aimed at beginners and those doing the Basic Assessment. Click on the Apiary page for more information and the Events page for dates and times.

Training enquiry

General enquiry

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