The course is designed for those who have never kept bees before, but is also suitable for individuals looking for an end to end refresher.

This two day course is divided into both theory and practical sessions: the morning session focuses on presentations and the theory of beekeeping, with the afternoon looking at the practical implementation and hands on hive and bee management. Day two will focus on interacting with bees, hives and exploring beekeeping equipment. The course format will be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Lunch will be provided for attendees.

Two-day courses run from 10am-4pm on both days.

The course is based on the British Beekeepers Association's ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ syllabus but with a focus on keeping bees in the modern urban environment.  It is designed to equip students with basic skills needed to keep their own bees both safely and productively.

The two day programme will include:

•  A general introduction to honeybees
• The colony – queens, workers and drones
• The hive and its components
• The history and origins of bees and hives
• The beekeeping year
• Swarms, their causes and prevention
• Queen rearing
• Pests and diseases
• Bee plants and hive products
• Getting started

• To inform and empower those considering becoming beekeepers
• The provide the knowledge, support and the basic steps to consider when starting beekeeping
• To communicate the benefits, responsibilities and costs when becoming a beekeeper

• Introduction to bees and beekeeping

• Beehive types and components
• Beekeeping equipment 

• The Beekeeping Year
• Hive and Bee Management

• Provide support and confidence to those starting out in beekeeping

• Widen the take-up beekeeping across genders, age groups and cultural backgrounds
• Help reduce the number of new starters leaving beekeeping due to frustration in their first year

Various Sheffield venues - venue will be confirmed by email

Jez Daughtry is the owner and head beekeeper of The Sheffield Honey Company. Jez has a genuine passion for bees, for quality local produce and for doing good business. Jez has undergone training with the British Beekeepers’ Association, and has played a crucial role in re-establishing the Sheffield Beekeepers’ Association. Jez considers himself to be a progressive beekeeper – willing to embrace new technologies and ideas, while respecting the tried and tested tools, materials and practices used by beekeepers for over a hundred years.

Jez manages over 100 hives located at various Sheffield locations. He has been developing the concept of city based honey production since 2007 through to The Sheffield Honey Company’s launch in 2010. 

Free to attend (£50 cancellation charge applies for no shows - please give us a minimum of 5 days notice if you will be unable to attend)

Priority for places will be given to Sheffield residents