#1 THE EVOLUTION OF THE HONEYBEE

In this session we will look back over 40 million years to understand how the honeybee has evolved as a species, what is the survival method of this extraordinary insect and how have humans developed such a strong relationship with it? We will explore the earliest origins of beekeeping and understand how humans were responsible for migrating the honeybee across the globe and the benefit the honeybee brings as an apex pollinator.

#2 THE PROCESS OF HONEY MAKING

In the second lesson we will take your learning a little further and begin to understand the intimate relationship between the honeybee and the flora and fauna that exists within its foraging area. What do the bees collect when they are foraging and how do they then process those raw materials. How do the bees communicate with each other in order to identify rich sources of food and what do they do with these things when they get back to the colony?

#3 THE EVOLUTION OF BEEKEEPING AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BEEHIVE

In this session we will consider man managed to lure the bees out of hollow trees and into our little wooden boxes and the different types of hive are commonly used and how they developed? We take a close look at the components that comprise a modern beehive and the frames and wax foundation that is used to allow the bees to make a perfect home. We will also understand how the bees live in the beehive, their individual jobs, and routines.

#4 KEEPING OUR BEES ALIVE

Beekeeping is not as simple as just shoving a bunch of bees in a box and expecting a few jars of honey each year. They are precious insects and regarded as livestock and so in this lesson we will explain what diseases, pests and predators may place the colony in danger. We also consider the mistakes that beekeepers make which can lead to the collapse of the colony and the preparations beekeepers need to make throughout the year. We also consider the natural desire of the bees to swarm and what we can do to control or prevent this.

#5 STARTING OUT THROUGH TO EXTRACTING & PRESENTING THE CROP

We start by looking at the essential equipment you will need to start out as a beekeeper. Where do you buy it, what do you need, how much does it all cost, is my garden big enough? We also look at how to source bees and how you join local beekeeper support groups. So, you are now a beekeeper and at the end of your first season you have a whole load of honey….in this lesson we consider the different types of honey and the vast range of floral sources that it can come from. We consider the process of extracting the honey from the beehive and offer some advice and best practice on bottling, labelling, and selling your product. We will also look at how we might use other products from the beehive such as beeswax and propolis.