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one-day coursenatural beekeeping |
location: nr Penrith, CumbriaA single day course (or extension) for those interested in learning more about this alternative approach. Having had the informed grounding of a BBKA type course some might welcome the opportunity to learn about a Bee Friendly approach to Beekeeping that is becoming more and more popular. Bee friendly beekeeping places the accent on keeping bees for just that reason and less on the need for Honey extraction from the hive. Honey is considered bonus rathe than a pre-requisite. Top Bar Hives that emulate the spaces that wild bee colonies often select are favoured in this approach. Beekeeping using the traditional picture book hives has been popular since the mid 20th century. It can be expensive to get started, may require space to store associated paraphernaliaand each unit hive has a weight often in excess of 50lbs -this means moving hives is a job, often requiring 2 people! The Warré top bar Hive the is one of the oldest and simplest types of beehive box, they provide a simple, effective and maneagable way of keeping bees for an individual, apparently even by someone in a wheelchair. This course is suitable for those considering taking up beekeeping and also existing beekeepers interested in making a transition to a more natural form of beekeeping. The course will cover some basic bee biology and behaviour and look what happens in the life cycle of a feral /wild colony. An examination of the compromises beekeepers make in putting colonies in hives will allow us to compare 'hives for bees' & 'hives for beekeepers'. The People's Hive of Abbé Émile Warré, selected from amongst the more 'bee-appropriate' hives, will be the focus of the practical aspect of the course. The course will examine its construction, populating it with bees and managing it throughout the year. Beekeeper intervention will cover feeding, harvesting honey, wintering, swarming, Varroa, and the options for raising additional colonies and queens. Beekeeping has social, economic and environmental implications: we shall keep these sustainability themes in mind throughout the course.
dates: see 'book online' below
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how to book: |
if you can't open
the booking form, you need Acrobat
Reader - it's free |
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arrive: |
for a 9.00am prompt start |
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depart: |
after
the course finishes at 6.00pm |
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directions: |
will be sent with booking confirmation |
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what
to bring: |
pen and notebook; if you have access to protective clothing (veil, bee jacket or suit), please bring it with you. trousers, washing up gloves (e.g. Marigolds) and wellies to protect ankles are also advisable.
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let
us know: |
if
you have any special needs |
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price: |
£105 Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30 admin fee) No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course |
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lunch: |
provided |
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car
sharing: |
visit
our car
sharing forum to offer or request a lift |
