Bees zooming back to the hive entrance.
You can tell a lot from the outside of a hive by observing
the comings and goings of the flying bees. Some are
orientating, some scounting while some are foraging
and returning with sacks of pollen on their hind legs.
Image by Jennifer Lanham
With the knowledge gained on the course,
you may possibly produce some of your own honey
within a year or two.
For anyone considering beekeeping, online research can make the hobby seem complicated. There is unfamiliar terminology, a wide range of equipment and many
different approaches. Videos can be useful, but they cannot fully prepare you for working safely and confidently with a thriving colony of around 50,000 bees.
The training apiary gives you the opportunity to handle bees, learn directly from experienced beekeepers and ask questions while working with active hives.
Across two full beekeeping seasons, you will gain practical experience in developing and managing your own hive, supported by knowledgeable and approachable
branch mentors. Key topics include:
HOT is a great way to get to grips with this very practical hobby.
If you would like to know more, check out costs or arrange a free taster session, please contact our membership secretary.
Our training apiary gives new beekeepers the practical experience and confidence to care for honeybees. The course runs over two years, combining weekly hands-on
sessions with guided learning across two complete beekeeping seasons.
Each student is given a colony, beginning with a nucleus colony (Nuc). Over the first year, you will learn how to develop it into a healthy, full-sized hive.
You will work in a group of four beekeepers, guided each week by an experienced tutor. Together, you will inspect the hives, learn how to handle bees safely and
understand how each colony changes throughout the season.
At the end of your second year, you may take the BBKA Basic Assessment at the apiary. It is a valuable way to recognise your progress and build the confidence to
take your bees home and continue your beekeeping journey.
Sessions run weekly from mid-April to mid-October. The shared experience often leads to lasting friendships, with members regularly meeting to discuss all things
beekeeping.
The course takes place on Friday evenings, starting promptly at 6 pm and usually finishing at around 8 pm, although timings may vary with the season. Regular
attendance is strongly encouraged so that your colony receives consistent care and you can follow its development week by week.
As the training is hands on, you will also learn important, 
practical skills such as how to light a smoker and how to
use a hive tool. The smoker is an essential tool. So is the
hive tool which is best kept handy at all times.
The hive tool is an essential piece of equipment. It is used
to lever frames out, scrape wax and propolis off and
separate hive components. It has sharp cutting edges. Other
uses are: opening brood cells and cutting and opening in fondant packs.
Polynucs in the apiary housing young colonies.
Wooden National hives for comparison.
There is always maintenance that needs to be done
and that includes the apiary.
Nick, Mike and Brian at work in the apiary.
Roger Patterson visits the apiary.
Richard Everett assembles frames with
the trainees on the HOTBees course.
Oxalic sublimation treatment.
Protective clothing and a mask are vital while
administering this varroa treatment.
…
Deer, and also horses, will kick hives over. At least, if it is strapped together, it can be recovered!
Strong winds and an exposed site can have the same effect and topple even a heavy hive over.
Flooded again – Autumn 2024
Fortunately storage is off the gound.
Autumn 2024
Bees don’t like condensation but all hives are raised up
sufficiently to prevent water ingress.