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September 12-13 Hartland, North Devon - Balanced Beekeeping for All FULLY BOOKED

see the RESURGENCE site for details

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"Balanced beekeeping" is a continuous quest for the improvement of our relationship with bees. It recognises that keeping bees is not natural, because in nature, only bees keep bees. It acknowledges that our desire for honey may not be matched by the bees' willingness to give it up. It recognises that the bees have their own lives and they would probably prefer that we left them alone, however much we are kindly disposed towards them. It is a search for the best ways to be with bees.



Balanced Beekeeping courses comprise a mixture of illustrated talks, practical demonstrations and discussion. Questions are encouraged throughout. Teaching materials and methods are adapted to meet the needs of students as much as possible.

Can't get to a "real world" training? Natural Beekeeping for Gardeners On-line Natural Beekeeping interactive course with Phil Chandler A four-module course in Natural and Balanced Beekeeping from the top online gardening school, with audio-visual teaching and commented assignments. Whether or not you are a gardener, this course will give you a good understanding of bees and beekeeping on a domestic scale, which will form a sound basis for progression to a practical course. Suitable for complete novices.



Balanced Beekeeping for All This two-day course is mainly aimed at people who want to keep bees in top bar and other "non-standard" hives. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with conventional hives, you will find much to engage you. There will be a mixture of discussion, video and practical elements, with plenty of time to have your questions answered. Student notes are included. Why do we keep bees?

What do you need to get started?

The lifecycle of a colony

The nature of honeybees and flowering plants

Principles and philosophy of balanced beekeeping

Principles into practice: how to get started

Hive design from the bees' point of view

How to attract free swarms

How to take a swarm from a tree

Your first year: what to look out for

How to recognise common pests and diseases and what to do about them

Feeding: what, when and how

How and when to take honey and other hive products

Your first winter: how to prepare and what to do

Your second year: getting to know your bees

Suggested reading: An Introduction to Balanced Beekeeping (free download)

Student notes will be provided. Bring your (clean) bee suit if you have one. Some observation suits available.