Training

We see training as an important part of our role as beekeepers in the Community. We run the following courses:

Beginners’ Course

We strongly recommend that you don’t get bees or equipment until you have attended a beginners’ course. Our course will equip you to keep bees and understand their needs and behaviours without getting into difficulties.

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Training Courses

We consider training an essential part of our work as beekeepers, and we are pleased to offer structured courses designed to help you develop the knowledge and confidence needed for responsible beekeeping.

Beginners’ Course

If you are thinking about keeping bees, or simply wish to understand them better, the Beginners’ Course is highly recommended. It introduces the behaviour, needs and management of honey bees and helps minimise the challenges new beekeepers often face.

The course follows the British Beekeepers Association training framework and is suitable for complete novices as well as those wishing to refresh their foundations. Sessions are delivered by experienced beekeepers and include both classroom learning and practical hive work.

Course structure:

Six classroom theory sessions (2 hours each)

Six practical sessions at the apiary covering hive handling, inspecting frames, assessing colony health and making appropriate beekeeping decisions

A skills checklist is provided, linked to the theory modules. While attending all sessions is encouraged, a minimum of four practical sessions must be completed to finish the course.

Topics include:

Upcoming course details:

• Start date: Monday 23 February 2026 at 7.30pm (No session on Easter Monday, 6 April)

• Venue: Glebe Chapel, Newent Community Centre, Ross Road, Newent, GL18 1QF

• Additional Saturday session (date TBC): frame-making workshop

• Practical sessions: early to mid-April depending on conditions

• Cost: £120 this includes NBKA membership to October 2026, BBKA membership including insurance for up to three hives, course materials, mentorship and a copy of the Haynes Bee Manual).
  Junior rate (under 18 at 1 October 2026): £92.75
  
• Deposit: £60 non-refundable to secure a place

• Booking: Open now; places are limited

A polite note: please do not purchase bees or large amounts of equipment until you have completed sufficient training. Beekeeping requires time, particularly from May to July, and many participants choose to take more time before committing to their own colonies. Whether you decide to keep bees or simply expand your knowledge, the course offers valuable insight and community support.

Improvers’ Sessions

For those who have completed the Beginners’ Course or have some experience, we offer free Improvers’ sessions for members. These run alongside the Beginners’ theory course and provide an excellent opportunity to refine skills and prepare for the BBKA Basic Assessment if desired.

Module Study and Further Qualifications

We also organise study groups for those who wish to pursue BBKA modules. These sessions run according to demand, with details announced when groups are formed.

Supporting Bees in Your Garden

Honey bees are currently not endangered in the UK, but many solitary bees are. You can support pollinators by avoiding pesticides, allowing areas of your garden to remain wild, reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting and learning about other pollinating species and their needs.

Next Steps

To join the Beginners’ Course, apply for membership or receive information about future training, please complete the form on our “Join or Renew” page. We look forward to welcoming you to NBKA and supporting your beekeeping journey.