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Become a Beekeeper in 2027 – Discover the Wonderful World of Bees!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to become a beekeeper? Perhaps you are fascinated by bees, interested in producing your own honey, or simply want to learn more about these remarkable insects and how we can help protect them.

Now is your chance!

Join The British Bee Charity’s New Beekeepers Training Course for 2027 and discover the excitement of beekeeping. From learning the basics to getting up close and personal with a real colony, our course will give you the opportunity to experience beekeeping for yourself, with guidance from experienced beekeepers.

Places are limited, so why not reserve your place for 2027 now?

Your Beekeeping Journey Starts Here

Our 2027 course will begin in April 2027 in Old Woking, Surrey, with an introduction to the theory and practice of beekeeping.

We will start by introducing you to the fascinating world of honeybees, explaining how a colony works, what equipment you will need and what to expect when we first venture into the apiary together in the spring.

Once the practical season begins, weather permitting, you will take part in weekly lessons in the apiary, working in small groups alongside an experienced, qualified beekeeper.

You won’t just be watching from the sidelines. You will have the opportunity to handle bees yourself and gain practical experience as your confidence and knowledge develop.

What Will You Learn?

Over the coming months, we aim to guide you through a season of beekeeping, helping you understand how a honeybee colony develops and thrives throughout the year.

Your training will include:

• Getting to know your bees – discover the different roles of the queen, worker bees and drones.
• Understanding the hive – learn how a colony functions and how bees work together.
• The life cycle of honeybees – explore how bees develop and how the colony changes throughout the season.
• Practical hive inspections – learn how to inspect a colony safely and understand what you are looking for.
• Bee health and disease awareness – discover why good hive management and biosecurity are so important.
• Honey production – follow the fascinating journey from honeycomb to the honey jar, learning how honey is collected and harvested.
• The beekeeping season – experience the changes that take place in a hive from spring through the summer and beyond.

By combining classroom-based learning with regular practical sessions, we aim to give you a solid introduction to beekeeping and the confidence to continue developing your skills.

How Much Does the Course Cost?

As a charity, we are committed to making beekeeping accessible to people who want to learn about and care for honeybees.

Our trainers generously give their time freely, so we do not charge a training fee for their instruction. However, there are some costs to cover the facilities, membership and essential protective clothing.

The costs for the 2027 course are:

• Annual charity membership: £30 for adults or £15 for students and children.
• Training facility contribution: £60 to help cover the cost of hiring the training facilities.
• Bee suit: £50 for your own protective suit, which we will supply and fit during the theory training.

Your membership provides insurance benefits, subject to the applicable membership arrangements and policy terms. These include liability insurance and Bee Disease Insurance (BDI), covering eligible colonies subject to the relevant conditions.

We will explain the membership arrangements and insurance cover during the course enrolment process so that you understand what is included.

Your bee suit is an essential part of your equipment and will allow you to take part in practical sessions while wearing appropriate protective clothing.

What Commitment Is Required?

Learning to become a beekeeper takes time, patience and a willingness to learn. Bees are living creatures, and their needs change throughout the season, so regular practical experience is an important part of your training.

Our volunteer trainers give their time freely and are passionate about passing on their knowledge. In return, we ask you to demonstrate a good level of commitment, attend the weekly sessions as regularly as possible and take an active interest in your learning.

The more you put into the course, the more you are likely to gain from this fascinating experience.

Who Can Join?

Our course is suitable for people who are interested in learning about honeybees and discovering whether beekeeping is right for them.

You do not need previous beekeeping experience – just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and an interest in the natural world.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Limited Places – Register Your Interest for 2027

We keep our training groups small to give everyone the best possible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and receive guidance from our trainers.

As a result, places on our 2027 New Beekeepers Training Course are very limited, and we encourage you to register your interest early to avoid disappointment.

Imagine opening a hive for the first time, seeing the remarkable organisation of a honeybee colony and discovering how the bees produce the honey we enjoy. It could be the beginning of a rewarding new hobby and a lifelong fascination with these incredible insects.

Ready to Start Your Beekeeping Journey?

Reserve your place for 2027 and take your first steps towards becoming a beekeeper with The British Bee Charity.

Click the button below to register your interest, or contact our education team if you have any questions.

Email: education@britishbeecharity.com

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to the wonderful world of bees!