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Beekeeping courses

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We run a range of courses for those on their beekeeping journey, whether a beginner just starting out or an experienced keeper wanting to brush up on their knowledge.

Our courses are very popular and often over subscribed, so availability can be limited. 

If you would like to find out more about our courses and when they will be running please contact us here. 

CONTACT US
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Level 1 – Beekeeping for Beginners

Are you interested in becoming a beekeeper?  Perhaps you’re already a novice beekeeper wishing to improve your knowledge and understanding?

Then this course is perfect for you!  Designed as a combination of distance learning followed by a days practical session, our course will give you a solid grounding in beekeeping. Learn from industry specialists who have over 90 years combined experience. 

Delivered over five months our online modules let you access content from the comfort of your own home whilst for the practical you will join us at our beautiful Training and Exhibition Apiary in the hear of Cheshire. 

We ensure all of our courses are taught as small groups, giving everyone the opportunity to ask questions as part of a personal and hands-on experience. 

Who is this workshop for?

Absolutely anybody.

What’s covered?

•  The bee basics
•  How to handle bees
•  Learn about the sections of a hive
•  Introduction to swarm management
•  Identification and treatment of pests and diseases 
•  Plus much more!

“Spent a great day in the apiary with Emma and David handling the bees. A really good session to help beginners gain confidence and hands on experience… a massive thank you to both of you.”

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Level 2 – Intermediate Guide to Beekeeping  

LAUNCHING 2026

You have one or two seasons worth of experience and are wanting to further your knowledge whilst continuing to build your confidence in and around the hive. 

This combination of distance learning and practical builds on the basic skills acquired from our level 1 course or at least one seasons worth of experience. 

Who is this workshop for?

Those who have at least a seasons worth of beekeeping experience or have completed our Level 1 – Beekeeping for Beginners 

What’s covered?

•  Bee breeding 
•  Artificial swarming
•  Plus much more!

“Hi Emma & David, Thanks for the very informative, enjoyable afternoon spent at Buckley’s Bees today. I now feel more confident in trying a Bailey comb change & artificial swarm. Many thanks. 
P.S. Looking forward to tasting your honey too!”

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Level 3 – LAUNCHING 2027

Here at Buckley’s Bees we are dedicated to breeding our own queens and keeping our healthy, happy and friendly blood lines alive.

As beekeepers, we must maintain a movement to stop importing Queens from all over the world. 

When importing, we risk not understanding the genetic background of the queens, which is so important for temperament, behaviour, hygiene and an ability to survive and thrive in the UK climate. 

The UK has many native species of bees that deserve and need our focus, especially since 35 of these species are in danger of extinction.

David Buckley was the apprentice of the legendary Beowulf Cooper, who was one of the founding members of BIBBA (Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders Association). We’re extremely proud to say that David has been breeding our blood lines for over 50 years – so while he says he’s still learning, we think there isn’t much he doesn’t know!

Who is this workshop for?

Beekeepers with 3+ years of beekeeping experience or those who have completed our Level 2 – Intermediates Guide to Beekeeping. 

What’s covered?

•  How to rear your own queens
•  Desirable characteristics and how to look for them
•  Hands-on experience, with the equipment you’ll need 

•   and much more

“Thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at Buckley’s Bees! David and Emma are extremely knowledgeable about everything to do with bees and make the learning process accessible and fun! Can’t recommend enough!”

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Honey Extraction 

Coming soon!

Watch this space!

2025

Who is this workshop for?

Absolutely anybody from beginner to experienced.

What’s covered?

•  Equipment
•  Extraction
•  Jarring
•  Labelling 
•  

What to bring to all of our courses?

  • Clean bee suit & gloves (these can be provided if you don’t have your own – please just ask at time of booking)
  • Clean wellies

What to expect from all of our courses

  • Practical beekeeping demonstrations and supervised hands-on time.
  • Learn everything you need to know from hives to honey!
  • Tea, coffee and snacks included.

BONUS

We allocate time at
 the end of all courses to give
you the opportunity to ask
questions and talk to us for advice.