CBKA is actively involved in educational projects across the county, teaching the craft of beekeeping and about the issues surrounding the plight of bees. Bee populations are in decline nationally and the current population of beekeepers is getting older all the time. It is to this end that we continue to encourage people, especially younger people, to get involved, to ensure a healthy future for beekeeping.

We are able to come and give talks to schools and other groups – please get in touch to find out how we can tailor a talk or display to your requirements.

Our members and local colleges also offer a number of courses aimed at new and improving beekeepers, which are listed below (the CBKA does not endorse any particular courses).

Beginners course held annually.

The course will include practical handling of bees, courtesy of Plymouth University’s Sustainability Department as well as class room theory.

Taught by the bee keeping tutor for Plymouth University, Mark Edwards.

For more info please email markiedwards@hotmail.co.uk, call 01503 250471 or search ‘Edwards Beekeeping’ on social media.

Course is designed to teach you all you need to know to take your first steps in beekeeping.

A course taught by Colin Rees, through Adult Education

BBKA’s “Introduction to Beekeeping”. Learn how to embark upon the craft of beekeeping; choose and acquire your bees and hives; follow the seasonal life cycle of the bees; utilise hive products. Learn all you need to know to become a beekeeper and manage your bee colonies.

This course will run as 10 Monday evenings or 4 non-consecutive whole Saturdays, and costs £92.

The Monday course starts on 13 January 2020 running from 19:00 until 21:00.

The Saturday course will start on 25 January 2020 (subsequent Saturdays are 8 February, 29 February, 14 March 2020), from 10:00 until 15:30.

Both courses run at Probus CP School, Probus, near Truro. To enrol call Truro College on 01872 265800 or contact Colin Rees on 01872 501313 for further information.

Tregothnan Beekeeping Course 2020 dates available: August 18th, September 24th.

An ideal way of learning the workings of a bee colony, this beginners’ one day beekeeping course provides an introduction to the world of honeybees and beekeeping.

1. Basic Bee Keeping Part 1

The Basic Bee Keeping Part 1 is a 2 term course of 36 hours providing a grounding in beekeeping. This course aims to get you started before getting your bees.

The course is an excellent grounding for those wishing to keep bees and involves lectures, practical demonstrations, sharing of experiences along with answers to those unsure of whether to keep bees or not. All teaching takes place at Rosewarne where West Cornwall Beekeepers Association has an outdoor apiary.

2. Beekeeping Introduction (Part 2)

This course is the second and final part of the Bee Keeping Introduction course. It is a follow on for those who have completed part 1 and have at least 1 year’s experience of keeping bees.

For more information on the courses run at Duchy College, see their Beekeeping Introduction course information or email enquiries@cornwall.ac.uk.

Beginner’s Basics course – This day is aimed at those who are about to start beekeeping.
The aim is to provide clear information to assist potential beekeepers in making the right decisions. As well as the opportunity for hands on experience, topics discussed will include;

• Types of beekeeper, hives and strain of bee.
• Honey bee lifecycles and roles.
• Bee health and threats.
• Beekeeping requirements and responsibilities.
• Start up considerations, including essential equipment, timing, where to find help, costs and the issues with second hand equipment.
• Next steps.

Please visit cornishblackbee.co.uk for booking information.

For employers wishing to show conformance to the ISO 14001 standard, any of the above courses are available or can be tailored to your requirements. Advice on location, equipment and setting up are also offered.

The benefits of conforming to ISO 14001:

• Demonstrate your commitment to improving the environment
• Show you are a responsible, future-focused organisation
• Increase employeee engagement in the knowledge that they are working in an environmentally-friendly way