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 (see below left) to find out how we can tailor a talk or display to your requirements.

We also offer a number of courses aimed at new and improving beekeepers.

Both the courses below are taught by Colin Rees, the President of CBKA:

1. “So you think you’d like to keep bees!” is a brief overview of beekeeping and ecological importance, for those who would like to know a little more about honeybees or others who want an appetiser prior to the more detailed “Introduction to Beekeeping” course.

This course will next run on Saturday 10th September 2016 from 10:00 until 15:30 and will cost £40.
2. 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 19th September 2016, running from 19:00 until 21:00.

The Saturday course will start on 24th September 2016 (subsequent Saturdays are 15th October, 12th and 26th November), from 10:00 until 15:30.
Both courses run at Probus CP School, Probus, near Truro. To Enroll call Truro College on 01872 265800 or contact Colin Rees on 01872 501313 for further information. Application forms may be downloaded and printed from here.

1. Introduction to Beekeeping

Half a day of theory and half a day in the apiary. An ideal day for those thinking of keeping bees or those who wish to have a better understanding of apiculture and bees.
22nd May 2016.

2. Beekeeping for Beginners

Three day course (half theory, half handling bees in the apiary). A course for the beginner wishing to start beekeeping, aimed at giving then the confidence to inspect and keep a colony.
7th, 14th and 21st May 2016.

3. Beekeeping Theory for Beginners

Ten week Winter theory course (ten two-hour consecutive weeks). This course offers in depth theory on equipment and hives, strains of bees, setting up an apiary, apiary husbandry, health and disease, etc. A day’s practical experience is offered during the season.
19:00-21:00 Starting Monday 11th January 2016 for ten weeks.

4. Next Steps in Beekeeping

For those with a little experience who wish to expand their knowledge and gain more confidence with artificial swarming, making up nucs (including mini nucs), marking and clipping queens, etc.
19th June – 2nd July 2016.

For more information on any of the courses run At Duchy College, either email allbtbees@gmail.com or telephone Gary on 07791 777022 or Steve on 07916 309680.

It is intended to have an informative evening to be held at Trispen village hall on Monday the 9th February 2015 at 7.30pm.

The purpose of this meeting is for members who are interested in furthering their beekeeping knowledge to attend, where they will be given an opportunity to have explained the purpose and requirements for this course to be run covering both theoretical and practical bee management. All interested parties please contact Mrs Sue Malcolm on 01752 845496 for further information and to place bookings.

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