This page is primarily aimed at the non-beekeeper who is thinking about taking up the hobby. For further information, please email training@stalbansbees.org
For beekeepers, information about the BBKA Basic Assessment and Advanced qualification can be found towards the bottom of the page.
If you are interested in taking up beekeeping you can find out more by attending our beekeeping courses. We usually run two courses throughout the year — our Bee Awareness Session takes place in the autumn and the Beginners Course every spring.
Take a look below to find out more about these courses. There is no requirement to join St Albans & District Beekeepers Association in order to attend these courses.
Startup costs for beekeeping begin at around a few hundred pounds but can very easily be much more. Plenty of merchants offer starter kits which include a hive and some basic equipment and clothing (but remember, cheaper is not always better). Before committing to such expense it is advised that you observe other beekeepers for a year, maybe more. Do your research first or ask an experienced beekeeper’s advice.
You may also choose to enrol on our Hives for All scheme which allows the newbie to experience and learn the craft of beekeeping without large initial outlay.
Important: Please do not turn up to our apiaries without first making an appointment. For safety and insurance reasons we only allow non-members on site with prior consent.
We showcase displays and exhibitions about beekeeping at a number of events through the year where you are very welcome to talk to us. Please visit our events page for more details.
Our Bee Awareness Session gives a brief overview of honey bees and beekeeping. Typically held in the autumn, it is a taster of what is involved in becoming a beekeeper and a primer for the more comprehensive Beginners Course early in the new year.
The session is free of charge and attendance is not required in order to enrol on the Beginners Course.
The 2024 Bee Awareness Session was held on October 24th.
Please email training@stalbansbees.org for more information.
This course provides a thorough introduction to beekeeping through four theory sessions, a hands-on practical session, and a visit to the apiary, each lasting approximately 2.5 hours. It is ideal for those new to beekeeping and planning to start keeping their own bees soon, as well as for anyone simply curious to explore the fascinating world of honey bees.
For more information, please email training@stalbansbees.org.
Dates: Every Thursday in February
Time: 19:30–22:00
Date: Saturday, 1st March
Activity: Learn to assemble frames and build either a brood box or a super.
Date: April or May (some flexibility may be required in the event of inclement weather)
Activity: Observe a hive inspection
Once you have booked your place using the link above Cath will contact you with joining details. If you haven’t received anything after 5 days please email Cath at training@stalbansbees.org
Details of the time of the practical session will take place will be shared on on the 1st evening. The date(s) of the apiary visit will be decided closer to the time.
There will be many opportunities to ask questions and meet other beekeepers, both novice and experienced.
The course will include a copy of The BBKA Guide To Beekeeping, written by Ivor Davis and Roger Cullum-Kenyon.
Beginners Course topics include:
Once you have completed the Beginners Course you can take the next step towards managing a live colony. We offer a hive rental and mentorship scheme, Hives for All, to all prospective beekeepers.
In your first year we provide a mentor and some bees and you will be allocated a spot at one of our teaching apiaries. At the end of the year you can choose to purchase the bees and their hive, or walk away with not so much as a few stings, some basic equipment and Country Membership to our association (optional, of course).
This scheme is offered to those who have attended our beginners course (recommended for anyone and everyone wishing to take up beekeeping). The course is held at the beginning of spring.
Should you decide to enrol in our Hives for All scheme, all you will need in your first year is a beekeeping suit, boots (preferably wellies) and gloves (washing up gloves will suffice) and a commitment to attend the apiary every Saturday (give or take) through the summer.
Our Bee Awareness Session gives a brief overview of honey bees and beekeeping. Typically held in the autumn, it is a taster of what is involved in becoming a beekeeper and a primer for the more comprehensive Beginners Course the following Spring.
The session is free of charge and attendance is not required in order to enrol on the Beginners Course.
The 2024 Bee Awareness Session was held on October 24th.
Please email training@stalbansbees.org for more information.
The 2024 Beginners Course was held in February. Details of the 2025 Beginners Course will be available in due course. For more information, please email training@stalbansbees.org.
Spread over four sessions, each lasting approximately two to 2.5 hours, the course provides an introduction to various aspects of beekeeping and is designed for those who are new to beekeeping and looking to begin keeping bees in the near future. It also provides an insight into the fascinating world of the honey bee for anyone simply wishing to expand their knowledge.
There will be many opportunities to ask questions and meet other beekeepers, both novice and experienced. A practical apiary session will be arranged for April (some flexibility may be required in the event of inclement weather).
The course will include a copy of The BBKA Guide To Beekeeping, written by Ivor Davis and Roger Cullum-Kenyon.
Beginners Course topics include:
Please contact training@stalbansbees.org for more information.
Once you have completed the Beginners Course you can take the next step towards managing a live colony. We offer a hive rental and mentorship scheme, Hives for All, to all prospective beekeepers.
In your first year we provide a mentor and some bees and you will be allocated a spot at one of our teaching apiaries. At the end of the year you can choose to purchase the bees and their hive, or walk away with not so much as a few stings, some basic equipment and Country Membership to our association (optional, of course).
This scheme is offered to those who have attended our beginners course (recommended for anyone and everyone wishing to take up beekeeping). The course is held at the beginning of spring.
Should you decide to enrol in our Hives for All scheme, all you will need in your first year is a beekeeping suit, boots (preferably wellies) and gloves (washing up gloves will suffice) and a commitment to attend the apiary every Saturday (give or take) through the summer.
Members of St Albans & District Beekeepers Association will benefit from exclusive access to our BBKA Basic Assessment study group.
The BBKA Basic Assessment is an examination offered by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). The Basic Assessment serves as a crucial milestone for beekeepers, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their knowledge and skills in apiculture. The assessment covers fundamental aspects of beekeeping, including hive management, bee biology, pest and disease identification, and practical beekeeping techniques.
Beekeepers who undertake the BBKA Basic Assessment often do so as part of their continuous learning and development in apiculture. Successfully passing the Basic Assessment can be a significant accomplishment for beekeepers, providing recognized certification within the beekeeping community.
The BBKA, recognizing the aspirational journey of its members, has developed a structured progression of certification within beekeeping, with the Basic Assessment acting as a prerequisite for advanced levels. Beekeepers can leverage their success to enrol in more advanced programs such as General and Advanced Husbandry, Microscopy, Honey Bee Breeding and more.
Undertaking the BBKA Basic Assessment brings myriad benefits to beekeepers. It serves as a structured learning pathway, encouraging enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of beekeeping fundamentals. The assessment not only validates one’s existing knowledge but also identifies areas for improvement, fostering continuous growth in the craft.
As individuals accumulate experience and successfully complete higher-level assessments, they inch closer to the coveted title of Master Beekeeper. Attaining this esteemed status signifies a comprehensive mastery of beekeeping skills, a deep understanding of hive management, and a commitment to the preservation of honey bee health.
You can view the 2024 Basic Assessment syllabus here.
St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766.
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Area Association Member (AAM) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate
St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766.
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate
St Albans & District Beekeepers Association CIO (SABKA) Registered Charity No-1193448
is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) Registered Charity No-1184766.
Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association (HBKA) is an Affiliated Local Association (ALA) of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Registered Charity No-1185343.
Click to view our Charity Registration Certificate
