BADS BKA Tuition Overview

Throughout the year BADS BKA runs numerous events for members and non-members to introduce beekeeping, improve your beekeeping and help with official BBKA qualifications.

We run days for non-beekeepers and courses for existing beekeepers.

Education Programme – 2026

Wannabee Day – A Taster and Awareness Day on Bees and Beekeeping

Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
Location: High Mead Farm, Ham Lane, Longham, Ferndown, BH22 9DP (map provided below)
Duration: 6 hr 30 min

This is a one-day taster session for those who are thinking about taking up, or have just started beekeeping or are simply interested in learning a little more about bees.

  • 09.30-10:30 A short film showing bees in and around a hive will be screened after a short introduction.
  • 10.30-11.30 A Beekeeper’s Year. A talk describing the various activities which need to be carried out by the beekeeper both around the hive and at home.
  • 11.30 Tea/coffee break (Refreshments provided – please let us know if you have any special requirements.
  • 12:00 – 13.00 Beekeeping. How to get a beehive and bees, where to place a hive, what other equipment is required and lots of other points. Question and answer sessions in small groups with some of our more experienced beekeepers.
  • 13.00 – 15.30 Lunch and Opening Hives in the Association Apiary (group will be split in two)’.

Please bring a packed lunch.

Bee suits will be provided but please bring Wellington boots or substantial shoes. Depending on the weather one or two hives will be opened so that you can have a chance to handle some frames of bees. The Queen may be seen!

If it is wet or cold further question and answer sessions will be offered and a different Saturday afternoon to come back and look in a hive will be arranged.

The cost of the day for each adult is £50.00 and this includes associate membership in the association until 30th September 2024. Children under the age of 16 coming with their parent/s will be very welcome and are free.

If you are interested, please contact our Membership Secretary for more information or to book.

E-mail: membership@bads-bka.org

Beginners Course

Date: 18th April – 23rd May 2026
Location: High Mead Farm, Ham Lane, Longham, Ferndown, BH22 9DP (map provided below)
Duration: 12+ hrs

Whether you’re thinking about taking on your own bee hives or simply looking to understand more about the practicalities of beekeeping, this course will suit you. The course aims to give you enough working knowledge, hand’s on experience, and confidence to go out into the world and nurture your own colonies. Throughout the course, you’ll meet like-minded people and be given the opportunity to ask questions and learn about every aspect of beekeeping.

Dates

Unless stated otherwise, all 6 sessions are on Saturday starting at 10.30 running for a minimum of two hours:

  • 18th April 2026
  • 25th April 2026
  • 2nd May 2026
  • 9th May 2026
  • 16th May 2026
  • 23rd May 2026

Cost

  • Members £50
  • Non-Members £70

Topics

  • Equipment, hygiene, colony acquisition, hive notes.
  • Smoker, hive tools, and frame/hive assembly.
  • Weekly Inspection (Part 1). Health of colony, inspection checklist.
  • Weekly Inspection (Part 2). Space, swarm signs, queen spotting, and stores.
  • Supering and Varroa.
  • Winter feeding.

Numbers will be limited to 16 people and therefore enrolment is necessary

If you are interested, please contact our Membership Secretary for more information or to book.

E-mail: membership@bads-bka.org