Orpington Apiary Beekeeping Course

High Elms Country Park, Shire Lane, Orpington BR6 7JH

19th April 2025 and on consecutive Saturdays (weather permitting)

The course is a basic introduction to beekeeping aimed at those with no previous experience. It covers both theory and practice. Participants must be 14 or older, though those aged under 18 must have a participating supervising adult.

Classroom sessions cover the responsibilities of beekeeping, the basic lifecycle and behaviour of honeybees, and the logistics and commitment needed to keep honeybees in a domestic environment. It will also cover possible risks to bees including diseases.

Practical sessions in our Apiary will teach you how to light and use a smoker to calm bees, open and inspect a hive, and explain what you can learn from bee behaviour inside and outside the hive, including whether they are preparing to swarm. At the end of the season, you will be invited to learn about harvesting honey.

We can lend you bee suits and equipment if you don’t already have some. Please bring a pair of clean rubber washing up gloves and wear sturdy closed footwear, preferably Wellington boots!

The course will run with a minimum 6 people (maximum 10) on a first paid first served basis. Have questions or want to register? Contact Brian Waddell, B.Waddell@ndy.com or +44 7787127508.

Course fee £30 per head (payable in advance, covers all 6 sessions) refundable if the course does not run.