Natural Beekeeping Trust Events in 2010

www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org  

The Theory and Practice of Natural Beekeeping.

A holistic approach to keeping bees encompassing biodynamic perspectives - 11-12 September 2010 at Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharpthorne near Forest Row, Sussex

The aim of this two-day course is to give individuals sufficient knowledge and confidence to start natural beekeeping with a colony of their own.

The course will start with an introduction to the principles of biodynamic farming, horticulture and animal husbandry. Morning sessions will be classroom-based covering the history of beekeeping, the life and nature of a bee colony, promoting good health and managing ill health, planting for bees, how to work with the swarming impulse, catching and hiving swarms, siting beehives and preparing colonies for winter. 

Throughout the course natural bee activity will be linked to the Natural Beekeeping Trust Guidelines and Demeter Beekeeping Standards.

The afternoon activity will be more practical (weather permitting). Participants will approach colonies in one or two apiaries and be taught how to observe bee activity and judge the colony mood.  Students will analyze activity at hive entrances, and through windows in hive boxes, in order to deduce the condition and status of the colony.
 
Students will explore how the fundamental needs of colonies can be accommodated in the Warré hive as well as other modern hives in use today. Any bee-appropriate manipulation of hives likely to be needed throughout the season will be explained or demonstrated.

Essential beekeeping equipment, relevant literature and other practical considerations such as forage through the seasons, relations with neighbours, dealing with stings etc. will be discussed when appropriate.

The course is suited for beginners as well as existing beekeepers wishing to adopt a holistic approach to caring for bees.

Students enrolling for this course are encouraged to send any specific beekeeping related questions and concerns in writing, together with their application details, and we shall do our best to meet these during the course. Lists of B&Bs are available on request.

Course fee: £125.00 including vegetarian organic/biodynamic lunch and all refreshments (we regret that special diets, with the exception of wheat-free, cannot be catered for)

 
Location:  Plaw Hatch Farm, Sharptorne, West Sussex RH19 4JL
Time: 9.30-17.00 on both days

Enrolment: Please contact anne@naturalbeekeepingtrust.org or telephone Anne Damerell on 01342-822101