How to become a beekeeper

You would like to take up beekeeping.  Keeping bees has become popular in recent years in response to the knowledge that bee populations were in difficulty since about 2007. 

Our advice is that to keep bees you must have some background knowledge as there is more to it than just buying some bees and a hive, setting them in your garden, and hoping that they will be alright.

Your best course of action is to find your local beekeeping association. Many do courses for beginners which consist of a series of classroom lessons followed by practical instruction at the association apiary so that you can learn the skills with experienced beekeepers. Once you have these skills and confidence then you may be able to make the step and own your own bees.  

This process means that your bees will have the best care and you will be on your way to being a competent beekeeper.

Anyone who wishes to take up beekeeping or has an interest in bees would be strongly advised to do the Introduction to Beekeeping course. The course will give them the necessary knowledge and practical skills to look after them Most associations have teaching apiaries and we advise that beginners learn their skills with experienced beekeepers here before they acquire their own bees.

Find out more about our Introduction to Beekeeping course