2025 Spring Beekeeping for Beginners course

Spotting a queen bee

Our next beginner’s course will run from Thursday 27th February to 17th April 2025 in Purley, running weekly for eight evenings.

Purpose of the course: to teach you the basics of beekeeping so you are ready to start beekeeping in the spring, either with your own hive, or by attending sessions at our teaching apiary

It is the perfect introduction for anyone considering taking up beekeeping or even just interested in finding out more about honey bees. For those that get hooked, it is the introduction to a lifetime of learning about bees and beekeeping.

Each participant will be given a copy of the “BBKA Guide to Beekeeping”, worth £15.

We will cover the following topics:

  • Introductory session
  • A quick guide to bee biology
  • Setting up your apiary … and your bee garden
  • Beekeeping equipment
  • Managing the bees
  • The beekeeping year
  • Keeping bees healthy
  • Products of the hive

Length: 8 weekly sessions
Dates: Thursdays, 27/2/2025 – 17/4/2025
Location: Purley Christ Church
Time: 7.30pm till 9pm

The course fee is to be confirmed but was £110 last year. It covers 8 weekly sessions of theory followed up by practical sessions at the CBKA Teaching Apiary once the active season has begun. It includes a copy of the approved publication “BBKA Guide to Beekeeping”.

You will need to pay in advance to secure your place. When the price is confirmed, you will be contacted. Please note that places are limited and can only be offered to participants in the Croydon and nearby surrounding areas. We will not be able to offer practical support going forward if you do not live in the area.

If you would like to register, please contact beginnerscourse@croydonbeekeepers.org.uk for any queries or complete the form below:


    Following on

    For those who want to learn more you will be welcome to join Croydon Beekeepers Association and take part in our range of activities.

    • Access to experienced mentors
    • WhatsApp group that provides informal support
    • Monthly Croydon Beekeepers newsletter and other beekeeping publications
    • Practical training sessions in our teaching apiaries in the summer 
    • Honey extraction meeting in the summer