We are big believers in education for beekeepers at every level. In particular, we strongly encourage our new beekeepers to take a beginners course. As beekeepers we have a responsibility to our bees, fellow beekeepers and members of the public. Learning how to keep your bees healthy and happy is the key to keeping everyone happy.

Three Rivers Beekeepers promote beekeeping courses facilitated by the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The courses are an Open College Network Northern Ireland endorsed courses, developed by the UBKA Education and Assessment Team in conjunction with CAFRE and OCN NI.

2023 Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping - Course Announcement

If you are interested in beekeeping this is the course to get you started. Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping aims to give those interested in taking up beekeeping the basic knowledge and skills to care for honeybees. During seven classroom sessions qualified tutors will explain the fundamentals of the life cycle of the honeybee, equipment needed, how to manage honeybee colonies, honeybee health, and harvesting the honey crop. The classroom sessions will be followed by three practical sessions in the Association Apiary, handling honeybees under the guidance of experienced beekeepers.

Assessment during the course will be through the completion of student workbooks and practical tasks. All workbooks must be completed to a satisfactory standard to obtain the Level 1 award.

Fees

The cost of this course is £135.00 which covers a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition. In addition, Three Rivers Beekeepers’ Association will arrange complimentary Association membership, insurance, the invitation to attend our Association meetings, access to beekeeping literature and resources, and the opportunity to purchase honeybees from local beekeepers*. And of course, we will endeavour to answer any questions you might have when considering taking up this craft and offer our support once you get started.

Delivery location and dates:

Fortnightly classroom sessions commencing Wednesday, 22 nd February 2023 at 7.30 pm, delivered by tutors over 7 x 2-hour slots in The Parish Hall, Duneyloop, Co Donegal, F93 V52C.

Apiary practical sessions will take place late spring at the Three Rivers Beekeepers’ Association. Apiary, CPI Centre, Castlefinn, Co Donegal, F93 T254

What to do next:

Enrol for this course at the following website. https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/introduction-to-beekeeping/

Payment due on enrolment is £135.00.

In the interim, do come along to our Association meetings which are held in person on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall, Duneyloop. For further information contact email: threeriversbees1@gmail.com

Notes

*applicable 01/01/23 – 31/12/23 only

This course is an Open College Network (NI) endorsed course, developed by the UBKA (Ulster Beekeepers’ Association) in conjunction with CAFRE (College Agriculture Food & Rural Environment) and OCN NI.