What do I do first?
The first thing to do is to get some current information on the craft of beekeeping and what it entails. This can be done in numerous ways, for instance the British Beekeepers Association website has a very good beginners guide to beekeeping and an excellent section dedicated specifically to new beekeepers. Our links page can also take you to a number of other Beekeeping Association websites where a wealth of useful information can also be found. Additionally there a number of books available (see suggested list below) which are very good starting points.
Other invaluable information sources are beekeepers themselves. Our Association holds regular monthly meetings from September to April which cover a wealth of current beekeeping related subjects including presentations for beginners. At our October meeting we also hold our own honey show which gives you the opportunity to learn about product presentation and win some fabulous prizes! (Honey show information.) During the Spring, Summer and Autumn months we provide practical beekeeping instruction every week at our training apiary. The apairy page also has a facility to enable you to receive weekly e-mail updates of when we will be meeting and what (weather permitting) we intend to be doing that day. Whichever you choose to attend you will be made very welcome.
Our suggested method of taking those first steps to becoming a beekeeper would be to attend our weekly gatherings at the apiary to gain practical experience in the seasonal management of a honey bee colony. We have found that after a season learning what is required you will have the confidence, knowledge and support system to sucessfully set up and manage your own bees the following Summer. Further reinforcement of what you have learned and your plans for the following year can be discussed with other association members at our monthly meetings in the quieter winter months when practical beekeeping activities are scaled down.
Suggested Reading List
The books below form a suggested reading list for those starting out in beekeeping who want to learn a little more about the theory of the beekeeping craft. Either one of these titles should get you started. Some of them can be found in the Association's library and they are also available to buy from Amazon (UK) and many other good book sellers. If you are still unsure please ask any of the Association's members for a recommended read to get you started.
- A guide to bees and beekeeping by Ted Hooper. ISBN: 1899296042.
- Complete and easy guide to beekeeping: A fascinating…produce by Kim Flottum. ISBN: 1845430212.
- Practical beekeeping by Clive De Bruyn. ISBN: 1861260490.
- Starting with bees by Peter Gordon. ISBN: 0906137357.
- Teach yourself beekeeping by Adrian & Claire Waring. ISBN: 0340925639.
© North Staffordshire Beekeepers Association.