Beginners' beekeeping course

Have you ever thought of keeping bees and harvesting your own honey? Our popular course for beginners in Swansea, Gower, Neath and Port Talbot starts with ten weeks of classroom sessions in spring. Then we suit you up for hands-on practical sessions at the apiary for the rest of the season.

What you'll learn

Life cycle of the honey bee
Biology of swarming, swarm prevention, and catching and hiving swarms
Hive management and equipment essentials
Hive and frame making
In the apiary: routine inspections, queen marking, disease and varroa control, honey extraction and preparing for winter

Course details

Theory: Tuesdays at 7pm for 10 weeks from 30 March 2027, Llangyfelach Church Hall. Topics run from the life cycle of the honey bee and swarming to hive management, equipment and bee disease.
Practical: Sunday mornings, 10am to 12pm, from 30 May to the end of September at our apiary in Penllergaer, with honey extraction, varroa control and winter preparation at the end of the season. We'll also try to pair you with a mentor.
Cost: £110, including your first year's membership
Under 16s: Free when attending with a paying adult

A group of beginners in bee suits gathered round a hive at the training apiary — Beginners at a summer practical session in Penllergaer

🐝 Not sure yet? Come to a free taster session

See inside a working beehive before you sign up. Free taster sessions run at our training apiary in Penllergaer on Sunday mornings, 10am to 12pm, from late April to September, weather permitting. You don't have to be a member, but please contact us first so we can make sure someone is at the apiary to meet you. We lend you a bee suit; bring your own gloves (Marigolds are fine) and wellies.

Arrange a taster session Directions →

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Register your interest

Questions? Email beginners@wgbka.org. We only use your details to deal with your request. See our privacy notice.

Register for the course or a taster session

Fill in your details and choose your membership. We'll be in touch about payment, or to arrange your free taster session.