PDBKA Beginner Beekeepers Training - Theory and Practical Sessions 2026
Schedule
Sun, 15 Feb, 2026 at 02:00 pm to Sun, 08 Mar, 2026 at 04:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Petersfield Community Centre | Petersfield, EN
About this Event
The course begins with four 1 1/2 hour covering the basics of bees and beekeeping. Following these theory sessions, as the bee keeping season proper begins, the course moves to the PDBKA apiary where you will put theory into practice through a number of afternoon meetings of practical bee keeping led by experienced bee keepers.
The course fee includes Associate membership of the PDBKA and covers all the course sessions plus access to the Apiary for the rest of the season's meetings. Weather permitting,the Apiary is open each Wednesday and Sunday afternoon. The course is just the beginning and trainees are welcome and encouraged to join other bee keepers at the Apiary throughout the season to continue learning, sharing experience and enjoying the craft of bee keeping.
To find out more about PDBKA follow this link Petersfield and District Beekeepers Association – Beekeeping in the NE of Hampshire
15th February 2026
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Beginners' Training Session 1
Host: Brad
Welcome
Host: Jo Bennett
Keeping Bees
Info: Topics: Establishing an apiary; colony management across the year; importance of record keeping; importance of keeping healthy bees.
Refreshments - with an opportunity to chat to some of our beekeepers
Questions and answers
22nd February 2026
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Beginners' Training Session 2
Host: Rowan
Hive equipment
Info: Topics: Suits; smokers; hive tools; the basic hive; hive components and assembly.
Refreshments with a chance to chat to some of our beekeepers
Hive manipulation
Info: Topics: Preparation and manipulation of frames
Apiary management
Info: Topics: Maintenance of an apiary site
Questions and answers
1st March 2026
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Beginners' Training Session 3
Host: Brian
The life of the bee colony
Info: Topics: Bee life cycle; colony life cycle; swarming
Refreshments and a chance to speak with some of our beekeepers
Questions and answers
8th March 2026
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Beginners' Training Session 4
Products of the Hive
Info: Topics: Honey composition; Variations; Harvesting; Treatment - Storage, Selling & Distributing. Wax and its use in the hive; extraction and cleaning; candles; polishes; balms
Refreshments with a chance to chat to some of our beekeepers
Yellow legged hornet
Host: Ali
Info: Topics: Yellow legged hornet - a threat to your bees and what to do about it.
Questions and answers
Reflections from a new beekeeper
Host: Steve
Practical sessions April
Practical hands-on beekeeping
Info: After the theory sessions are complete, the training continues with hands-on beekeeping sessions held at PDBKA's own apiary just outside Petersfield. Dates for the practical sessions will be dependent on the weather and you are welcome to attend as many practical sessions as you like during the season.
Where is it happening?
Petersfield Community Centre, Love Lane, Petersfield, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 55.00
