Education
DBKA Beekeeping Courses in Devon
Do you want to become a beekeeper?
All the eleven branches in Devon will assist and encourage newcomers and beginners to learn about the craft of beekeeping. Courses for beginners are held throughout the county and all the courses are based on the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) syllabus for the Basic Certificate.
What will I learn on the course?
Have a look at the BBKA syllabus – follow the link www.britishbee.org.uk go to Members – Examinations and Assessments - page down to find the syllabus - on the same page is the recommended book reading list. Most beginners start with ‘Bees and Honey’ by Ted Hooper or ‘Bees at the Bottom of the Garden’ by Alan Campion and Gay Hodgson. Books are expensive and many branches have libraries and lend books to members.
How are the courses organised?
They all vary a little but most of the theory is taught during winter evenings with the practical hands-on sessions at a branch apiary during the summer.
What is the Basic Assessment?
At the end of the course and after you have kept bees for 12 months and have a bit of experience you can take the Assessment. This is completely practical/oral and involves spending about an hour with BBKA Assessor looking at a colony of bees and answering simple questions about the syllabus – there is a 96% pass rate. It is like a car driving test and covers the basic skills and knowledge of the craft. It looks daunting at first glance but closer inspection will show that it merely lists the basic things which all beekeepers should know.
(Please see section on 'Further Learning' at the bottom of this page)
What are the course details and who do I contact?
Due to high demand, places may be limited - apply early to avoid disappointment! |
East Devon
|
A beginners’ course
based on the BBKA Basic syllabus. (More details to follow).
For more details contact:
Richard Simpson
rsimpson48@aol.com |
Exeter
|
Beginners' Course
(More details to follow).
For more details contact:
Roger Lacey
01404 811733
devonbees@pobox.com |
| Holsworthy |
Beginners' Beekeeping Course
January 17, 2011
11 weeks at a charge of £90 - open to members of the Holsworthy Branch of DBKA. To be held at The Stables, Methodist Hall, Chilsworthy. Starts 7.30 pm.
For more details contact:
Anne Binns
j.binns990@btinternet.com
01409 261381 |
Newton Abbot
|
A beginners course
October 14, 2010 (for 10 weeks)
based on the BBKA Basic syllabus.
For more details contact:
Allen Hodgson
01626 852627
allenhodgson@talktalk.net |
Okehampton
|
A beginners course
based on the BBKA Basic syllabus consisting of 12 Thursday evenings (date and time to be arranged) at Road Park, Yeoford. To start late October/early November.
For more details contact:
Ray King
01363 772007
roadpark@btinternet.com |
| Tavistock |
Basic Assessment Study Group
January 2010 to March/April. Exam in May
For more details contact:
Alison Howes
01822 612340
alisonhowes@hotmail.com |
Tiverton
 |
Introduction to Beekeeping Course
October 13, 2010
Wednesday, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at Uplowman Village Hall at a charge of £80.00 (to include one year's membership of DBKA). Click here to download flyer for more details, or
For more details contact:
Keith Owers
01884 254977 |
Totnes and Kingsbridge
|
A beginners course
based on the BBKA Basic syllabus. (More details to follow).
For more details contact:
Lilah Killock
01803 866028
lilahkillock@hotmail.com |
If the course is full you may be able to add your name to a waiting list for the next course.
For more information on beekeeping education, please contact:
Chris Utting - Devon BKA Education Officer
Codden, Golf Links Road, Westward Ho, Bideford, North Devon EX39 1HH
01237 474500
chrisutting@btinternet.com
Further Learning
Beginners are prepared for the Basic Assessment, (download syllabus from BBKA) which they are encouraged to take in their second year of beekeeping. Please read the series of 3 articles which appeared in the BBKA News about taking the Basic Assessment:
 Taking the Basic Assessment - part 1
Taking the Basic Assessment - part 2
Taking the Basic Assessment - part 3
Those beekeepers who are interested in further study are guided in their preparations for the various British BKA Examination Board modules ranging from management, biology, behaviour, diseases, breeding to anatomy, history and microscopy.
See the BBKA website for full details
See BBKA Examinations and Assessments page |
