Many people who have completed one of my courses have said how complicated beekeeping is. It's certainly a craft that is accessible to most people, but undertaking a course before getting bees is strongly advised. A colony of bees is potentially lethal in the wrong hands. Please do not buy bees before doing some sort of training. The same goes for equipment. It is not difficult to spend a vast amount of money on beekeeping equipment, some of which may not be suitable and does suppose that on getting near a hive for the first time, you will not be put off.

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Before getting bees you should ideally undertake an association's beginners course. However, not everyone is sure that beekeeping is for them and want to find out what it's all about before investing time and money in the craft. I offer two types of courses to give people an introduction to beekeeping. The local association in the Borders runs a six week long course, places are quickly booked the next course will probably take place in the spring of 2024. Details can be found on the Borders Beekeepers website when these are available

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In the meantime I offer two short courses, one is a taster day which is classroom based and covers some of the basics of beekeeping a typical programme can be found here. The other type of course is a day based entirely in the apiary. This is of course highly weather dependent as it involves opening up bee hives. I also cover extracting honey and wax making as well as some of the basics of beekeeping. Bee suits are provided and there are a maximum of four people on any one course.

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The taster days always turn out to be lively events with lots of questions and answers from people all over Scotland, the aim is to give people some idea of the scope of beekeeping and what's involved, and if you decide its for you, you will be pointed in the direction of next steps. Course numbers are limited to twelve people to give plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.

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To book on one of the courses and to see dates, please see the shop page. It is also possible to buy a gift voucher as a gift for someone to be redeemed at a later date. The cost of the experience days and the taster days are £65 and can be purchased on line.

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Cancellation policy: you can cancel up to two weeks before the course and your booking can be transferred to a later taster day or experience day. Because of the limited size of the class, no refund will be possible if you cancel within two weeks of the course.