Practical Full Day Hive Maintenance and Inspection Workshop
18th May 2024
10.30am to 4pm
€ 120
The workshop will be delivered by Anthony Nea a highly experienced beekeeper. Anthony has been keeping bees for over 15 years and now has over 40 colonies. He places great emphasis and is a strong believer on the value of doing and hands-on practical experience. Everyone will be suited and kitted out. There will be plenty of opportunity to work with the bees. A bee suit will be provided if required but we do advise to bring your own suitable footwear.
This practical hive inspection and maintenance 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 a natural follow on for those who completed the theoretical beginner Workshop in March but it is also suitable for anyone who already keep bees but would like some more assistance and practical experience.
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Most of this workshop will be spent out with the bees. Everyone will have the opportunity to read the honey comb and handle the hive. Everyone must be appropriately dressed with good closed footwear. No sandals please! There will be a lot of information shared and a lot to absorb but there is no better way to learn than to actually do and see first hand.
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Everyone will be treated to Coolamber hospitality. Tea/Coffee and hot scones will be available on arrival, elevenses and a tasty two course lunch will be served in the dining room of the House. All you need is your enthusiasm as everything will be provided.
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There will also be an opportunity to see the many outbuildings and our walled garden. Ann Marie will also give a short walk and talk around the walled garden which currently is in the development phase . We hope to further develop the orchard, fruit and veg garden, cut flower garden and wild flower areas.
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A general guideline of what will be covered on the workshop is explained below. The workshop will be highly interactive and there will be lots of time to have all your questions answered.
Once the workshop is complete you should be equipped with a much better level of knowledge which will provide a great foundation to having you own hives. You will be another step closer to the dream of having an apiary and producing your own honey. You will have the opportunity to meet other participants who are also on the same Journey.
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HIVE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
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Setting an apiary
Acquiring Bees
Using a smoker /water sprayer
Opening a Hive
Reading the Comb
Hive Records
Swarming
Supering
Diseases
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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.
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This workshop is strictly limited to 12 participants and booking is essential.
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