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A woman stood holding the beekeeping hive.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
A beekeeper holds a piece of honeycomb, surrounded by bees.
A woman stood holding the beekeeping hive.
Three women enjoying a lunch on the River Cottage Course
A beekeeper holds a piece of honeycomb, surrounded by bees.
Only 5 dates left

Beekeeping

£245.00

Book this course
25 May
£245
02 Jun
£245
13 Jun
£245
18 Jul
£245
08 Aug
£245
1 day
Adult
Close
10:00 - 17:00

Join Us for the River Cottage One-Day Beekeeping Course in Devon

Join us for the River Cottage One-Day Beekeeping Course in Devon! Whether you’re looking to start your own honeybee colony or simply want to learn a new skill, our expert instructors will guide you through every step.

Beekeeping is more important than ever, with many bee species at risk. On this course, you’ll not only learn how to care for bees, but also how to protect them. Led by Steve Minshall, co-author of the River Cottage Bee and Honey Handbook, and fermentation expert Rachel de Thample, you’ll gain hands-on experience and learn different beekeeping methods to suit your needs.

By the end of the day, you’ll have the skills and confidence to begin your own beekeeping journey, plus enjoy delicious honey-inspired treats prepared by our chefs.

Is this course suitable for me?  This course isn’t suitable for those with bee sting or honey allergies. We recommend this course for participants aged 13 and up. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Start your day by meeting your hosts and enjoying tea, coffee, and a tasting of various honeys, including our own River Cottage honey.

SESSION ONE

Tutor Steve will guide you through the fundamentals of beekeeping, covering reasons to keep bees, honey bee behavior, different hive types, and the necessary equipment.

SESSION TWO

Get suited up and walk to the first of the River Cottage apiaries. There, you’ll see different hive styles, meet our bees, and gain hands-on experience with our colonies.

LUNCH

At River Cottage, food is always a highlight! Enjoy a two-course seasonal lunch made from local ingredients, featuring delicious honey.

SESSION THREE

In the second practical session, visit the second River Cottage apiary to examine a beehive in detail. Learn how to inspect a hive, care for the bees, and maintain safety. Steve will also showcase the various hive types on the farm, including our Rocket hive (as seen on River Cottage Reunited), a Warre hive, and a Top Bar hive.

SESSION FOUR

Savor treats from the kitchen featuring honey, while diving deeper into the essential steps to set up your own hive and establish your bee colony.

DEPARTURE

Before heading back up the hill, there will be time to chat with fellow participants and talk to Steve, all while holding your course notes.

Your Beekeeping Course Highlights

  • Learn the fundamentals of beekeeping and how to start your own honeybee colony.
  • Explore different beekeeping methods and discover the right one for you.
  • Gain hands-on experience with various types of hives around River Cottage.
  • Receive expert instruction from Steve Minshall, author of the River Cottage Bee and Honey Handbook.
  • Enjoy a two-course honey-inspired lunch prepared by River Cottage chefs.
  • Dive deep into hive inspections, learning bee care, disease prevention, and more.
  • Leave with the knowledge to start your beekeeping journey, including equipment essentials.

 

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