Below is an overview of some of the training offered this year. More details of both the High Weald sessions and the Sussex sessions are attached.
- Various sessions organised by Mark Wilcox, our HWBKA Training Officer - further details will be available closer to the dates:
11th April Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 Swarm Control
Little Horsted Apiary
24th April 10:00 – 13:00 Introduction to bees, taster
Little Horsted
16th May 10:00 - 12:00 Swarm Control for real, 12:00 – 14:00 Hive building
Little Horsted Apiary
4th July Saturday 10:00 – 13:00 Bee “Safari”
18th July Saturday Varroa and YLH control
Venue TBC
8th August Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 Honey Extraction
Little Horsted Apiary
12th September Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 Preparing Hives for Winter
- A series of 6 Zoom (2hr) sessions organised by Simon Tuck, the SBKA Education Officer
Session 1 – Swarming, Varroa and Keeping Colonies Viable
Thursday 16 April 2026
Trainer: Malcolm Wilkie
This session tackles two of the most important factors affecting colony survival and beekeeper confidence.
Session 2 – Bees, the Beekeeping Year and Feeding
Thursday 23 April 2026
Trainer: Ian Smith
Understanding how bees live through the year underpins good decision-making.
Session 3 – Hives, Equipment, Hygiene and Records
Thursday 30 April 2026
Trainer: Jude New
This session focuses on working cleanly and confidently with modern equipment.
Session 4 – Confident Hive Handling and Inspection Skills
Thursday 14 May 2026
Trainer: Graham Stuart
A practical confidence-building session on opening colonies and reading what you see.
Session 5 – Queens, Colonies and the Apiary Environment
Thursday 28 May 2026
Trainer: Pete Coxon
This session focuses on colony continuity and practical apiary management.
Session 6 – Bee Health, Disease Recognition and Responsibilities
Thursday 4 June 2026
Trainer: Simon Tuck
The final session brings together bee health awareness, statutory responsibilities, and next steps.
Who the course is for:
Beekeepers in their second (or later) season
Anyone considering BBKA Basic or Honey Bee Health
Beekeepers wanting a structured refresh of the fundamentals
Anyone who wants to improve confidence, colony health and enjoyment
You do not need to be taking an assessment to benefit from this course.
There is a small charge of £45 for all six zoom sessions.
Registration for members is now open via this << - link ->>