Education

Beekeeping Courses from Introduction to the more advanced

Each of our branches runs a range of beekeeping courses from a basic introduction to beekeeping to more advanced study groups to prepare course attendees for the BBKA modules. You may however find that your own Branch is not running the course that you are looking for so it is worth remembering that members may attend the meetings and courses being run by any of the other Branches of Lancashire Beekeepers.

Here are the Education Coordinators for each Branch:

• Blackpool Branch: Janet Rimmer janet.rimmer@yahoo.co.uk

• East Lancs Branch: Victoria Alletson victoriaalletson@sky.com

• Lancaster Branch: Mark Stott stotty6069@gmail.com 

• Liverpool Branch: Cliff Porter contact@liverpoolbeekeepers.co.uk

• Oldham and District: Ian Baker i.baker2@ntlworld.com

• Ormskirk Branch: Tony Lee skeppist1949@gmail.com

• Preston Branch: Alan Manwaring  Contact no 01772 726212  admanwaring@googlemail.com

• Southport Branch: Diane Drinkwater di@mogga.com

The L&NW Education Co-ordinators consist of: 

Viki Cuthbertson Lancs Co-ordinator viki.cuthbertson@lancashirebeekeepers.org.uk

Robina Johnstone Lancs Exam Secretary robina.johnstone@yahoo.com

Examinations & Assessments

The BBKA Examination Board offer written and practical examinations to educate and set standards for beekeepers.

The starting point and entry requirement for all other examinations and assessments is the Basic Assessment in Beekeeping; this practical assessment tests the basic skills and knowledge of the craft.

Correspondence Courses are available to help prepare for the Basic, the Microscopy or for the Modules.

Most branches run study groups to assist with study for the modules. 

For more information please see your Branch Education Officer listed above.

Education Update 2025/6

Contact details of your Branch Education Secretary are above and they are the person to contact for more information.

PLEASE NOTE. You do not have to take the Exam/Assessment to attend the following courses, we are as happy to see people joining to gain the knowledge.

Module Exams

These are written exams on a variety of subjects, and there are usually 2 courses on offer in the autumn and then in the spring. This year the course will run on Zoom and are

Module 3 – Honey Bee Pests & Diseases with Diane Drinkwater. Starts this Sun 7th Sept. di@mogga.com

and after Christmas Mod 1

Module 7 – Queen Rearing with Viki Cuthbertson’s group Starts Mon 29th Sept v_cuthbertson@hotmail.co.uk and after Christmas Mod 8.

These 2 modules are really useful as we need to be more aware of P&D's and to rely less on the Bee Inspectors, who are tied up fighting the Yellow Legged Hornet. We also need to do more to produce our own Queens and colonies, rather the importing them from neighbouring counties or further afield and running the risk of importing disease at the same time. Both courses are starting soon, to lead up to the exam on 22nd November, so if you are interested you need to contact the group leader asap.

Honey Bee Biology

John Hewitt is planning to run his in person Biology Course again, dates to be advised, please contact him if you are interested in joining. John.hewitt3@talktalk.com

Other Practical Assessments

LNWBKA are running Honey Bee Health (on Zoom but with at least 1 in person practical) throughout the winter, but you might find it is available in your Branch as well. Check with your Ed Sec. This will be followed by a General Husbandry course over the winter of 26/7. Dates for HBH are 4/11 & 2/12 2025 and 12/1 & 9/2 2026. Contact Viki Cuthbertson to book a place.

Basic Assessments.

This is a first step onto the learning ladder, anyone one who has had bees for more than 12 months can take the assessment, which is all done in the apiary, some practical work in a hive and then a Q&A session with the Assessor. These are the Branches planning to run a course (if your Branch isn’t offering any support for this assessment, you can always join the course in another Branch)

East Lancashire, Southport, Ormskirk, Preston and probably Lancaster. Oldham and Liverpool offer mentoring for their candidates rather than a course.

Introductory Courses and Taster Events

These are aimed at people who aren’t yet beekeepers, so if you know anyone who would be interested in joining a course, put them in touch with your Ed Secs. All branches are currently planning to run an Introductory course.

Spring Conference

Saturday 7th March at Arch Bishop Temple School. Details of speakers, times addresses etc are all on the county website www.lancashirebeekeepers.org.uk

If you gained a certificate in the past 12 months there will be a presentation ceremony at the Conference.

Wax Processing and Candle Making Courses

These courses are run by Viki Cuthbertson, not by LNWBKA. There are 2 courses coming up on Sat 15th Nov and Sat 15th March, both 10am to 1pm, in Preston. Cost £20/person

Contact Viki to book a place.

Details of the fees for all examinations and assessments are available here: https://www.bbka.org.uk/examinations-assessments

Our Application form and general guidelines can be downloaded using the following links:

Exam Application Form