1:1 Beekeeping Experience Day from April 2027

Introduction to Beekeeping on a Working Bee Farm

1:1 Beekeeping Experience Session I'm Harry, the beekeeper behind Harry's Honeybees. I manage all aspects of the business including queen selection and breeding, colony feeding and establishing new apiaries. I have kept bees for around 5 years and completed multiple beekeeping certificates in between this. The 1:1 Beekeeping Experience day is a chance to informally learn more about beekeeping, whether or not you are interested in taking it up as a hobby. It is around 4 hours of 1:1 time in which you will learn everything from lighting the smoker to finding the queen bee. Unlike a lot of other 'practical' beekeeping courses that spend most of the time reading off powerpoints, I give you a genuine chance to get full, hands on experience. The session is very informal and relaxed, so I have written down rough guidelines of what to expect • Arrival at the farm 10am • First 30 minutes is spent talking through equipment of what you should purchase and where from. I try and steer people away from making mistakes such as purchasing a cheap pine beehive for example! • We suit up, grab the smoker, and head off to see the bees! • The first couple of colonies are inspected by myself with you watching and asking as many questions as you like. No question is silly, so feel free to fire away! • After around 30 minutes of me demonstrating its time for you to inspect the bees! Again, in comparison to some beekeeping experience sessions offered with large groups this is 1:1 so you genuinely do get to experience the bees! • The rest of the day is you inspecting all beehives independently with me alongside you advising and happy to answer any questions. We can take breaks for lunch etc whenever you feel like it. 1:1 means it's up to you what you want to do! A full bee suit is provided along with gloves and cuffs. You will be required to bring water, lunch and any snacks you will need along with wellies. Please note that welly boots must have high sides and cannot be walking boots or trainers. Despite the bees being very calm F1 Buckfast, along as handled professionally, as we are dealing with nature there is a very small risk of being stung. This has never happened ever before on a bee experience session but the risk is always there! Important Information: Not suitable for those with bee sting allergies. Please also note you will be required to sign a disclaimer Not suitable for those under 18 years of age