MCBK Beginners Training
During the first half of 2026 our branch will be offering training sessions for those thinking about
or just starting out in beekeeping.
Between January and March 2026 experienced MCBK beekeepers will deliver a series of
six Zoom sessions covering all you need to know for your first year of beekeeping.
Topics covered will include:
An introduction to the honeybee
How to get started
What’s inside the beehive
The beekeeping seasons
Swarming
Honeybee health, pests and diseases
Bee nutrition and local forage
The honey harvest and other hive products
The sessions will start at 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings on the following dates:
14th January
28th January
11th February
25th February
11th March
25th March
The cost for the series of sessions and supporting materials is £40 per person with places reserved on a
first come first served basis. If you would like to enrol for these training sessions please download and
complete the application form below and return by e-mail to MCBKTraining@midcheshirebeekeepers.co.uk.
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Practical (hands-on) Training
Following on from the theory training we will be running practical (hands-on) training sessions between April and June 2026. These sessions will be held on Saturday afternoons at the MCBK Apiary at Grozone in Northwich (www.grozone.org.uk). Each session will last approximately 3 hours and the practical training will encompass the following topics:
Checking that you have the basic equipment and how to use it correctly
Hive hygiene
Loading and lighting a smoker
Records – what is needed and why
Planning the hive visit – what you want to achieve
Weather – is it fit to inspect
Regular inspections
Approaching the hive and assessing the colony
Inspection techniques and practices
Bee diseases and pests – what to look out for
Swarm prevention and control
The bees and hive during the season
Honey – extraction and jarring
Winter preparation and closing the hive
Although the theory course leads on to the practical training the two courses can be taken independently.
If you would like further information about either the theory or practical courses please contact us by e-mail at:
MCBKTraining@midcheshirebeekeepers.co.uk