If you’re thinking about taking up beekeeping and want to find out more, our Taster Day is a great introduction to what is involved.

The day will give you a really good understanding of what it is to be a beekeeper, with a combination of lectures and practical activities with the bees. The aim is to answer all your questions as well as giving you a good overview of the subject.

During the course of the day we'll cover the following topics:

the difference between workers, drones and queens and how to identify them

lifecycles of the bees and of the colony throughout the season

an introduction to the pests and diseases of bees, plus likely future threats

an explanation of the different parts of a beehive

an overview of some of the different types of hive available

an explanation of what the bees collect and bring back to the hive

how to select a good site for your bees

how to get more help and information and where to exercise caution

The first part of the day will be classroom based – venue to be confirmed, but it will be a short distance away from our apiary in Saunderton - and refreshments will be provided during the morning.

We'll then go on to the Association apiary for the practical part of the day. At the apiary you'll have a chance to put on a bee suit and get up close to an open hive of bees with a qualified beekeeper.

The day will run from 10am to 2pm and costs just 25 pounds.

Don't forget to bring wellies and a packed lunch.

Tea and coffee will be available.

Description supplied by the event organiser.