Education & Training
Annual Beekeeping Taster Day
Sunday 14th September 2025.
At the Haven Centre, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down, RH10 4LJ.
To book visit our ticketsource page.
Overview:
- Meet at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM start.
- Free parking on site.
- Lunch & refreshments provided.
- Depart to our Apiary in Turners Hill around 2:00 PM.
- Day to finish around 4:00 PM.
What we will cover:
- Honeybee biology and ecology.
- The equipment you will need to keep bees.
- The gadgets you can buy.
- The pests and diseases to watch out for.
- The flowers you can plant to help bees and other pollinators.
- Where to get your own bees.
- Choosing a hive.
- Management through the year.
- Hands-on experience with a colony of bees, at our apiary (weather permitting).
Booking & preparation:
- Cost (inclusive of booking fees) is £70, or £90 including membership. Email Oliver St. John with any queries.
- We can lend you a bee suit or bring your own; wear a long-sleeved top and trousers; Wellington boots; and a notepad & pen.
- Only 20 spaces available.
- To book visit our ticketsource page.
Basic & Improvers / BBKA Basic Assessment
The BBKA Basic Assessment, often called the ‘driving licence’ for beekeepers, the assessment examines your handling skills and a basic level of theory.
There is a one-day training course covering the theoretical elements of the assessment, with practical training in the Apiary. Even if you don’t take the assessment, the training will boost your knowledge and skills.
Details of the Basic Course can be found on the Events page.
Modules (Examinations)
As part of thge BBKA’s Education system, there are 7 different Modules:
- Module 1 – Honey Bee Management
- Module 2 – Honey Bee Products and Forage
- Module 3 – Honey Bee Pests, Diseases and Poisoning
- Module 5 – Honey Bee Biology
- Module 6 – Honey Bee Behaviour
- Module 7 – Selection & Breeding of Honey Bees
- Module 8 – Honey Bee Management, Health and History
Studying for these will vastly improve your beekeeping knowledge and skills.
Practical Assessments
In addition to the Basic Assessment, with the appropriate experience, beekepers can be assessed on:
- Junior Certificate
- Basic Certificate
- General Husbandry Certificate
- Advanced Husbandry Certificate
- Microscopy Certificate
- Show Judge Certificate
- Honey Bee Breeding
- Honey Bee Health
Passing all the modules plus the Basic, General Husbandry and Advanced Husbandry assessments sees you awarded Master Beekeeper.
More info on the BBKA website.
Practical Training
At the EGBKA apiary, practical training happens monthly during the spring to autumn season in the form of hive inspections with more formal scheduled training sessions aimed at beginners and those doing the Basic Assessment. Click on the Apiary page for more information and the Events page for dates and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Beekeeper?
The best way to become a beekeeper is to attend an introductory course, join your local beekeeping association and attend meetings and events where you can handle bees.
Or
Get some bees and some equipment and learn from Youtube, courses and books. See our Beginners page for more information.
What equipment do I need to become a beekeeper.
I've got a swarm in my garden, what should I do?
Check out our Swarms page and if you are sure they are Honeybees, contact our swarm co-ordinator at swarms@egbka.org.uk
I've already got bees. Can I still join EGBKA?
How do I become a member of EGBKA?
To become a member download the membership form and return it to secretary@egbka.org.uk.
I've got bees in my chimney or wall or loft what should I do?
We are not able to help remove bees from buildings etc. This is not covered by our British Beekeepers Association insurance.
There are number of good bee removal companies in Sussex, a quick internet search will find them.
