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Beginner Bee Keeping
Anthony Nea
Saturday 8th March 2025
10.30am to 4pm
This beginner Bee Keeping workshop will provide you with the knowledge, the confidence and the practical skills that are necessary to keep bees and have the joy of your own honey. You will discover all you need to know about safe and successful beekeeping. This one day workshop is most suitable for complete beginners.
Anthony will take you from complete novice to someone who has the knowledge to start this rewarding hobby.
The workshop will be delivered by Anthony Nea a highly experienced beekeeper. Anthony has been keeping bees for over 15 years and now has 46 colonies. He places great emphasis and is a strong believer of the value of doing and hands-on practical experience.
What to Expect....
10:30 AM - Welcome Tea & Coffee and Introductions
Begin the day with a warm welcome! Participants can enjoy homemade scones, coffee, and tea by the log fire in the authentic setting of the renovated stables.
Morning Session - Establishing the Hive
This element of the course will be held in the newly renovated out buildings of Coolamber House,providing the perfect setting to build your knowledge, be inspired and meet people with a shared interest
All the basics will be discussed for the complete beginner. The Colony ( Queen Worker,Drone),The Colony through the year,Types of Hives and Parts,Pollination ,Nectar and Pollen,Protection, Handling and Personal Safety.The observation hive will be on display all day and the workings of all the bees explained. This is an amazing opportunity to have time to see exactly the activity inside the hive throw a glass frame including inspecting and identifying the queen, worker and drone. This knowledge will prove invaluable for the rest of the workshop.
Bee Suits are not required for this first workshop as it is usually too cold to open the hives in March. The Observation Hive will be in the Workshop all day.
1:00 PM - Lunch Break
Indulge in a delicious, home-cooked lunch served in the dining room of Coolamber House. This beautifully restored period room, with its long table and elegant details, offers the perfect setting for a leisurely meal and good conversation. Enjoy home cooked dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and raise a glass of cava to celebrate the day.
Afternoon Session- Hives Options and Building Frames
A range of empty hives will be on display and the merits of each explained. You will be able to see first hand the different structures, brands, materials and sizes of hives available.Everyone will learn how to build a their own frame which is the timber structure that holds the honeycomb inside the hive. There will be a wide range of equipment that can be useful. Information and discussion of types of Bees suit recommended to get you started and reputable suppliers.You will have the opportunity to meet other participants who are also on the same Journey.
Note: If desired a number of Participants on the course will have the option to purchase a nuc hive of native Irish black bees. This will be on a first come bases and can be discussed with tutor Anthony during the workshop as these nuc hives will be limited.
Bee keeping is something that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old. The benefits are so numerous having your own natural honey, proven to help overcome seasonal allergies, your own wax, candles , lip balms etc, the environmental benefits, bees are needed to pollinate your flowers and vegetables or simply helping increase the number of bees which unfortunately are in decline. So if you have contemplated raising bees, you wont be disappointed these amazing little creatures have a lot to offer!!!!
The course will be strictly limited . Booking in advance online to secure your place. Places allocated on a first come basis.
IMPORTANT DATES for your diary:We will have two other bee keeping workshops throughout 2025
These two workshops are almost 100% hands on spending all day handling the hives. Participants who attend the first workshop in March will have first refusal.
8th May 2025: Hive Maintenance and Inspection
13th Sept 2025: Extracting Honey and Feed for Winter
Gift & Farm Shop
Participants will have the opportunity to browse our gift and farm shop, which offers a variety of hand-selected locally produced products perfect for gardening enthusiasts. Discover tools, organic seeds, garden décor, seasonal produce, and unique gifts to take a piece of the workshop home with you.
Booking is essential and places are limited. I look forward to welcoming you to Coolamber.
Gift & Farm Shop
Participants will have the opportunity to browse our gift and farm shop, which offers a variety of hand-selected locally produced products perfect for gardening enthusiasts. Discover tools, organic seeds, garden décor, seasonal produce, and unique gifts to take a piece of the workshop home with you.