Beginners Course 2021
We are considering how we can hold an extra class, probably on a Saturday, where you'll learn hands-on how to assemble frames and boxes. After the classes, you will hopefully have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the bees in our apiary. Of course, these practical classes all depend on the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The entire course culminates in a straightforward exam in May, with a written part (although this time round it'll be online) and a practical part, for which you will be awarded the FIBKA Preliminary Certificate of Proficiency in Beekeeping. The course will be delivered by a team of experienced beekeepers. If you are interested please email the secretary. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
The details of what will be covered are below
Date |
Topic |
26th Jan |
Introduction |
2nd Feb |
Basic Beekeeping Equipment Hive types, frames, foundation, smoker, hive tool, etc. |
9th Feb |
Natural History of the Honey Bee (1) Life cycles of queen, workers and drones, characteristics and functions of 3 castes, the production and use of beeswax in the hive. |
16th Feb |
Natural History of the Honey Bee (2) Collection and use of nectar, pollen, water and propolis in the hive, pollination, sources of nectar and pollen, communication by foragers. |
23rd Feb |
Swarming The swarming process, swarm prevention and control, hiving a swarm. |
2nd Mar |
The Beekeeping Year Apiary hygiene, spring management, summer management, Hooper's questions, uniting colonies, robbing. |
9th Mar |
The Honey Harvest Clearing bees, uncapping, extracting, straining, settling and bottling, crystallisation, fermentation. |
16th Mar |
Prevention and Control of Disease Causes, symptoms, detection, prevention and treatment of main adult and brood diseases, laying workers, drone-laying queen. |
23rd Mar |
Preparing for Winter Winter behaviour of colonies, preparing colonies for winter, feeding bees. |
TBD |
Frame and Hive Assembly A practical, hands-on session for those who would like to learn to assemble their own hive parts. (Normally held on a Saturday morning). |
TBD (a date to be decided by FIBKA) |
FIBKA Preliminary Exam 30 minute online exam followed by apiary practical examination |
The fee is €140 which includes:
- Classes and material
- A copy of the Haynes Bee Manual
- One year's membership of Louth Beekeepers' Association
- One year's membership of FIBKA, the national beekeeping body
- Annual subscription to FIBKA's An Beachaire magazine delivered by mail
- Participation in the FIBKA insurance scheme
- FIBKA fees for the exam leading to the Preliminary Certificate of Proficiency in Beekeeping
The fee is waived for persons under 18 years old, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
How to sign up
- The easiest way to sign up is to purchase the course in our online store - note that there is a €5 surcharge to cover providers' fees online.
- You can pay by direct debit to our bank account (BIC: AIBKIE2D and IBAN: IE47 AIBK 9324 5028 6971 39) but make sure you provide your name since otherwise we cannot know who has paid.
- Alternatively, please email the secretary.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.