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Bees are fascinating creatures in themselves with the added bonus of honey. As with any challenging hobby, you will need specific skills, knowledge, and time.
Let’s explore some key questions that you need to ask and answer yourself before you start your beekeeping adventure.
Find out more about our events and meet people who can support your beekeeping journey throughout the year. Discover how we collaborate with other local beekeeping groups, offer meetings and apiary visits, hire equipment, and lend bee suits. Novices who demonstrate their commitment to good beekeeping will find a Mentor within the Group. Your Mentor will provide advice and assistance to help you through the initial seasons of managing your bees.
Bees are livestock and require active management, you will need to arrange someone to look after your bees when you can’t or go on holiday. Each hive requires about 30 mins to 45mins a week between April and October. Annual honey harvesting takes time and coordination, in winter external inspections are essential. Hives need maintenance and preparation throughout the year. You will need to attend learning events for the skills and knowledge to care for your bees.
Most beekeepers get stung occasionally, a few people suffer severe reactions to bee stings and carry an epipen for allergic emergencies. It is essential to get hands-on experience to see if bees are for you. Attend our seasonal hive inspections and apiary events with real live bees and spend time with an experienced local beekeeper.
There is a lot to learn, an introductory course will support you gain the basic knowledge to look after your bees and hive. Undertake your own research, our experienced members will tell you about the best books and reliable guides.
In your garden – Consider your pets, children, and neighbours. On a roof – Consider safe access with heavy equipment. On unused land – Get the landowners permission first. On another beekeeper’s apiary
For beginners we recommend using National Hives as they are affordable, easy to use, swop and replace. Complete start up kits are readily available and your bee keeping community can offer extra advice and often have second hand kit for sale.
A bee suit, disposable gloves, and wellington boots for basic personal protection
A smoker, to calm bees and a hive tool for inspections
A feeder, to give bees extra nourishment when times are hard
For a variety of reasons, it is not recommended that you buy bees from abroad, the internet or through the post. We can provide you with local association members who can supply you with your ‘Local Starter Nuc’ of bees usually in June/July