Buzz about bee-ginner course in beekeeping

Cavan Beekeepers are organising an introductory course on beekeeping, set to commence on March 6 at Ballyhaise Agricultural College.

The course, provided under the guidelines of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers (FIBKA), consists of lectures delivered over six weeks.

The in-person lectures will cover various topics from the workings of the bee colony to equipment, bee health and pollen and nectar sources, as well as studying the beekeeping year, working for honey, and hive problem solving.

The course will be delivered by experienced local beekeepers and no prior experience or knowledge is required.

Towards the end of the lecture series and, as the weather improves, there will be opportunities for some practical hands-on experience at the Association’s own training apiary on the grounds of the college.

Those who complete the course will be awarded a certificate of attendance, the first stage in FIBKA’s education programme for beekeepers.

Seamus Murphy has been beekeeping for “longer than I’d care to remember” - his interest piqued by his late uncle Paddy around 30 years ago.

He feels it’s important to pass on collective knowledge to the next generation. Seamus sees this cross-pollination of information as every bit as important as the work the bees do in the meadows and hedgerows.

“The general public know about honey and they know it comes from a bee. But there is so much more to it, and we have a great many people attending our courses, some who’ll go on to become bee keepers themselves, while others are interested in their health and even survival.”

What was once a niche hobby is now flourishing. More than 30 people took up the introductory course on beekeeping last year with a similarly positive response anticipated for this year also.

The local group are encouraged by the success of their first honey show, which took place at Ballyhaise Agricultural College last November with classes for all types of honey and other related products such as beeswax candles, mead and honey cakes.

Not since the 1960s and 70s can Seamus remember such keen interest in beekeeping in the locality.

“They are a remarkable creature,” enthuses Seamus with a honeyed softness to his tone.

“As humans we’re really only now coming to be aware of just how important they are in the eco system, and whether as a beekeeper you want to make honey, or simply have them to try and promote pollinator, it is a wonderful pastime, full of life-long learning and endless enjoyment.”

The course fee is €110 and this will cover membership of FIBKA, and insurance.