We are offering two practical beekeeping courses in Spring 2026. These friendly, supportive sessions are designed not only to build skills and confidence, but also to give members the opportunity to meet, eat cake, share experiences, and talk about bees with like-minded beekeepers.

Both courses combine classroom discussion with hands-on learning in a local apiary and are led by experienced beekeepers.

The BBKA Basic Certificate of Beekeeping Husbandry

If you have a year or more of beekeeping experience by next summer, why not take your Basic Assessment- your beekeeping “driving license”? This is a practical assessment which involves going through a hive, discussing your beekeeping and making a frame.

Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Location: Eathorpe Village Hall and a local apiary (CV33 9DE)
Cost: £10 (to cover refreshments)

This practical course is aimed at beekeepers with at least a year of beekeeping experience who are considering taking the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) Basic Assessment.

The BBKA Basic is an “over-the-hive” assessment carried out in a branch apiary. This course aims to help you understand exactly what is expected, build your confidence in handling bees, and practice the key skills required on the day.

The BBKA Basic is very accessible for beekeepers with around a year’s experience, but equally valuable for more experienced beekeepers who have never taken the assessment — this could be the year to do it and recognise your skills.

You can view the full BBKA Basic Assessment syllabus on the BBKA Member Hub:
View BBKA Basic Assessment syllabus 

To Join visit the Event Page

This course is intended for those who have entered for their basic Assessment forv 2026. Please enter by contacting examsec@wbka.org.uk and you will be sent a personal link to enrol.

 

Honey Bee Health Certificate

If you have your Basic Assessment, why not take the Honey Bee Health Certificate?  This is a totally practical assessment which really gets you to understand hygiene, disease and pests- it is very useful to your beekeeping. To prepare you and give you confidence, we will be having a training programme.

This course is intended for those who have entered for their basic Assessment forv 2026. Please enter by contacting examsec@wbka.org.uk and you will be sent a personal link to enrol.

Preparing for the Honey Bee Health Certificate

Dates: Sunday 10 May and Sunday 24 May 2026
Location: Eathorpe Village Hall and a local apiary
Cost: £10 (to cover refreshments)

This two-day course is designed for beekeepers who already hold the BBKA Basic Assessment and are preparing for the Honey Bee Health Certificate.

The course is valuable for any beekeeper who wants to deepen their understanding of bee health. It covers:

• The major health challenges facing honey bees

• Recognition of disease and pests

• Good husbandry and management practices

• Building confidence in assessing colony health

These sessions are a chance to meet other beekeepers, discuss common challenges, and make links within the Association.

The full syllabus for the Honey Bee Health Certificate is available via the BBKA Member Hub:
View Honey Bee Health Certificate syllabus 

To Join Visit the Day 1 Event Page

Module study groups

If you are interested in taking the BBKA Module 2, Honey Bee Products and Forage – you can join our Module Study Group and do the exam in March 2026. To join the study group, please email David Bonner Dave@bonner.me.uk. To enrol for the exam please email examsec@wbka.org.uk.