Fancy Beekeeping?
Location
Many gardens can accommodate hives and they can be safely sited near neighbours or public areas without anyone ever being aware they are even there. Bees are not naturally aggressive creatures and are completely unobtrusive, all they want to do is forage for pollen and nectar, and their flight paths to and from the hive are very easily controlled to avoid any interference. Alternatively, we have an out apiary in Rowtown where members may keep their bees.
Time and Commitment.
Keeping bees entails ensuring they are kept in good health and that they are not preparing to swarm. You will need to check them once a week from April to August. From October to March, checks once a month or less are required. Harvesting and bottling your honey crop, cleaning and making equipment takes a fair amount of time through out the year.
Costs to start.
Purchasing a single hive, clothing and equipment will cost between £175-£350, there's also plenty of second hand opportunities. Annual running costs are low once all equipment is purchased. The division has an extractor that can be hired when honey is being harvested. You are likely to cover your costs by selling honey for a few years.
Whats next?
Join Weybridge Beekeepers, come along to one of our Beginners' taster days, or enrol on our beginners' theory course run each January - March, which is followed by a practical course in April-June.
Many gardens can accommodate hives and they can be safely sited near neighbours or public areas without anyone ever being aware they are even there. Bees are not naturally aggressive creatures and are completely unobtrusive, all they want to do is forage for pollen and nectar, and their flight paths to and from the hive are very easily controlled to avoid any interference. Alternatively, we have an out apiary in Rowtown where members may keep their bees.
Time and Commitment.
Keeping bees entails ensuring they are kept in good health and that they are not preparing to swarm. You will need to check them once a week from April to August. From October to March, checks once a month or less are required. Harvesting and bottling your honey crop, cleaning and making equipment takes a fair amount of time through out the year.
Costs to start.
Purchasing a single hive, clothing and equipment will cost between £175-£350, there's also plenty of second hand opportunities. Annual running costs are low once all equipment is purchased. The division has an extractor that can be hired when honey is being harvested. You are likely to cover your costs by selling honey for a few years.
Whats next?
Join Weybridge Beekeepers, come along to one of our Beginners' taster days, or enrol on our beginners' theory course run each January - March, which is followed by a practical course in April-June.