Your first year of beekeeping
If you're interested in learning about bees and beekeeping but don't know where to begin, then you've come to the right place. "The first year of beekeeping" is an online course that teaches you all the basic knowledge needed to start your first bee colony. You'll learn about the biology and behaviour of honey bees and gain the skills necessary to keep your bees healthy and productive.
Our fully recorded course covers everything you need to know in the first year. With detailed videos and animations, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical aspects of beekeeping.
Enrolling in the course grants you lifetime access to all the teaching content. This means you can learn at your own pace, whether you're a fast learner or need to take your time. You can also revisit the course as often as you need to refresh your memory on specific techniques, which can be especially helpful after setting up your beehive.
You will also have access to any future updates and email support from your instructor to continue to develop your skills and knowledge over time, making you a confident and competent beekeeper.
How it works ?
“A beautifully designed and hugely informative introduction to beekeeping that guides the learner through the essentials of building and maintaining of a hive.”
Course curriculum
-
1) Functioning of the honey bee colony
2) Types of honey bees
3) Choosing my first colony
-
1) Functioning of a beehive
2) The types of bees
3) Choosing a hive type
4) Apiary site
-
1) Equipment and storage
2) getting a colony of bees
3) How to install a nucleus colony?
4) Inspecting and observing a colony of bees
5) How to inspect a beehive
6) Feeding the colony
7) Swarming prevention
8) Winter preparation and monitoring
-
Dr. Agnes Tyburn is a scientist and beekeeper. After obtaining a DPhil in chemical biology from the University of Oxford she started keeping bees in Cambridge, UK. This led her to be recently appointed as a service beekeeper at the University of Cambridge to manage an apiary dedicated to research on honeybees based at the botanic garden. When she is not studying and learning about bees and their behaviour, Agnès teaches her passion for bees and beekeeping to beginner students all over the world.
“Brilliant, just what our local council needed me to have. Many more have also used this course. Thank you Agnes”
Meet your instructor
FAQ
Can I take this course even if I never had any experience with bees?
Absolutely. We have designed this course for complete beginners. If you are based in the UK we will be happy to give you a hive visit before starting the course.
Is there a preferred time of the year to start beekeeping and the course?
If you live in a region with a temperate climate the active beekeeping season starts in Spring and finishes in early Autumn. It is advised to start your beehive between Spring and Summer.
Starting the course in Winter will give you plenty of time to learn what you need and plan for the coming beekeeping season.
Starting the course in Spring? Great! The first year of beekeeping course will quickly get you up to speed with beekeeping and you will be able to start your beehive right away.
If you start the course in late Summer or Autumn, although it will be too late to start keeping bees, the course will give you a head-start.
Do I need to buy my own equipment or is it provided?
You will need to buy your own equipment. The basic equipment needed to start beekeeping is covered in the course.
Can I get in-person training with the course?
If you are based in the UK and require a consultation session, please contact us here.
What kind of support do I get with this course?
If you have a question or need help, you can easily send a message and get expert support. Your instructor is here to help.
Can I buy this course as a gift to someone? Yes! Contact us and we will be more than happy to provide a personalised gift card.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with the course, contact us within the first 14 days after purchase and we will give you a full refund.