TTVBKA provides education and training programmes at our teaching apiary in Twickenham. We offer fun, hands-on learning sessions to Schools and Groups, introductory and beginners’ classes for those new to beekeeping and advanced courses for our more experienced members.

Schools and Groups

Our Schools Education sessions are aimed at 3-11 years olds and cover aspects of  the National Curriculum science programme relating to insects, pollination, habitats and the environment. Our team of volunteers hands-on learning activities that are differentiated according to age. Children get to view the inside of a honey bee hive from the safety of our hide, seeing, hearing and smelling honey bees at work and often meeting the Queen.

We also welcome groups from Scouts, Guides and similar organisations. For more information visit our Schools & Groups page or email schools@twickerbees.co.uk

Beginners Courses

Each year we run our Winter theory course followed by a practical Beginners course aimed at those who are new to beekeeping or just interested in honey bees and beekeeping. The Winter course is open to non-members, the Beginners course requires membership of the association. Visit the Courses for beginners page or email membership@twickerbees.co.uk for more details.

Member Courses

BBKA Basic Assessment

We encourage our members to take the British Beekeepers’ Association’s (BBKA) Basic Assessment and provide study groups & practical sessions to support those members undertaking the assessment.

The Basic Assessment is a one-hour practical assessment of basic beekeeping skills and knowledge and is for members that have managed at a colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months and have completed our Beginners Course.

Taking the assessment demonstrates basic competency in beekeeping and is often required by allotment associations, land owners and other off-site locations where members may keep their hives. The practical examination is held at our Twickenham apiary. For more information, please email exams@twickerbees.co.uk.

BBKA Modules

The BBKA has an entire framework of assessments and exams, giving experienced beekeepers a chance to test their knowledge on all aspects of apiculture.

After the Basic Assessment, there are 7 formal examinations known as Modules. Each module has a written exam, although you can take a course without taking the exam, and form part of the route to achieve Intermediate or Advanced Theory Certificates.

We organise Study Groups to support, help & guide those beekeepers who are studying for any of the BBKA Modules. For more information contact exams@twickerbees.co.uk.

Special Interest Training Sessions & Talks

We run periodic training & talks for our members that cover specific topics and issues such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and swarm prevention technique demonstrations They are often have a practical element and may use either of of our two teaching apiaries. For details of upcoming events check our Apiary Planner.

All our activities are provided on a voluntary basis and therefore dates and times may be subject to change.

There are other associations who may provide training. Depending on where you live and your travel arrangements you may wish to consider contacting other local associations. There are associations in London, Ealing, Kingston, Enfield, Harrow, Pinner, Croydon, Epsom, Reigate, Weybridge, Wimbledon, Wokingham, Bromley and many others. A full list of local associations and contact details can be found here on the BBKA website.