Beekeeper Training
Have you become fascinated by these wonderful creatures, honey bees, and are now looking to take the next step in becoming a beekeeper?
We’re here to guide and support you on your beekeeping journey.
I deliver in person, on demand and live via video call training as well as mentoring and support through hive visit one to ones. Our training is focused on beginners and beekeepers in the first few years of beekeeping with additional support available if you require assistance with a particular issue.
Complete novice at the consideration stage - Take a look at our online beekeeping basics course, beekeeping taster or a bee experience.
Wannabee beekeeper - you’ve made the decision to become a beekeeper or you’d like a bit more detail then the in-person Introduction course or winter foundation course, provide the fundamental principles of beekeeping.
‘Newbee’ beekeeper in your first couple of years, or looking for more detailed information after completing a foundation or intro course; then take a look at the beekeeping progression course which is a virtual course like the foundation one so you don’t need to step foot out of your home to learn.
Read on for more information on each of these plus detail about the One to Ones I offer as support or mentoring when you need some practical assistance.
Online Beekeeping Basics Course
Discover the basics of beekeeping with this step-by-step online course for beginners: If you’re looking to test the waters before jumping into beekeeping, or want to get started but don’t know how, then this comprehensive online programme that will leave you feeling confident about starting on your beekeeping journey.
Totally online and available immediately, the five modules look at what it means to become a beekeeper. We explore the fascinating world of honey bees, learn about their lifecycle and communication, and discover the equipment needed to get started.
We love hearing from our students and are always grateful for their feedback. One of our recent students had this to say about our online course -
“Today I enjoyed your online beekeeping course. Your passion and enthusiasm for the wonderful little creatures really does shine through.”
Click the button below to get started today.
Beekeeping Taster Session
Delve into the captivating world of beekeeping with our taster session, crafted for those looking to take their first steps to becoming a hobby beekeeper.
This approximately four hour session seamlessly combines theory and hands-on learning, offering an ideal starting point for anyone looking to discover more of the practical details about getting started. From discovering the essential tools used and understanding the different hive types, to witnessing the awe-inspiring honey bee life cycle whilst we carry out hive inspections and uncover the secrets of a thriving apiary set up.
Scheduled dates for the beekeeping taster session are :
Saturday 17th May 2025 9.30am-1.30pm
Saturday 21st June 2025 9.30am-1.30pm
Friday 18th July 2025 9.30am-1.30pm
Beekeeping Introduction Course
The perfect start to a beekeeping hobby. This one-day introduction takes you into the beekeeping world providing and overview of the life of a bee and the beekeeper’s involvement.
What to expect:
This introductory day runs from 9.30am-4pm and is a classroom based introduction to beekeeping which will leave you with a clearer understanding of what being a beekeeper involves. It is aimed at the novice or someone that is new to keeping bees but hasn’t completed a course and is looking for wider knowledge. The course is supported with real life examples and video content, we will discuss:
Bees and honey bees – a look at bees in general with a specific view of the honey bee and their life cycle as well as gaining an understanding of what goes on within the hive.
How and where to start – what equipment do you need, how much time will it take, different styles of beekeeping, hive types and number of hives.
The beekeeping year – what does a beekeeper’s year look like; and how are the bees behaving as the seasons change.
Honey bee health – pests, diseases and general understanding into the health of a hive, best hygiene practices, and how best to care for your livestock.
Next Steps - helping you make your next steps to becoming a beekeeper.
Each date is limited to a small group of attendees aged 16+. Refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch. Please note that the course takes place in our workshop so comfortable layered clothing is recommended.
This course does not include a visit to the bees but will set you up with the knowledge and lists of what to do next!
Scheduled dates for the introduction course are below:
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Saturday 20th September 2025
Beekeeping Foundations -
Live Virtual Course for Beginners
This course is designed to equip aspiring beekeepers with the knowledge and skills they need to start their own hive.
This 6-week program, conducted live every Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm, offers an in-depth exploration of the essentials of beekeeping. From understanding bee behaviour and lifecycle to choosing the right equipment and maintaining hive health, this course covers everything you need to know to confidently begin your beekeeping journey.
Through interactive sessions, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your specific needs. The convenience of the online format means you can join us from anywhere, making this course accessible no matter where you are.
By the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to start and manage your own hive with confidence.
On booking you will be emailed information on how to join the course when it starts.
Next Start Date:
Tuesday 21st January 2025 @ 7pm
Beekeeping Progression -
Live Virtual Course for Improvers
Are you ready to take your beekeeping skills further? Our Beekeeping Progression course is perfect for those who have mastered the basics and are looking to enhance their expertise.
Over five weeks, this live, online course will dive into key topics essential for intermediate beekeepers, from effective swarm prevention to managing honey production and preparing your hives for winter.
With a focus on practical application and deepening your understanding of bee biology and colony management, this course will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to confidently navigate the challenges of beekeeping as you advance beyond the beginner stage. Connect with a community of like-minded beekeepers, gain valuable insights, and ensure your hives thrive through the seasons.
This course is designed for those going into their second or third year, or those that have completed the introductory or foundation course.
Join us live each Tuesday from 7pm, to refine your skills, troubleshoot challenges, and prepare for a successful beekeeping season.
Next Start Date:
Tuesday 4th March 2025 @ 7pm
Bespoke 1-2-1 Support
Beekeeping can be a rewarding and fascinating hobby but it can also be daunting for beginners. That’s why our one-to-one bespoke beekeeper support is tailored to your individual needs and experience. Whether you’re a complete novice or have some knowledge already we can help you gain confidence in handling your bees and understanding their behaviour.
Practical sessions can be held with your own bees; this can be especially helpful if you have specific questions or concerns about your colony’s health, behaviour or productivity. Alternatively they can take place in our training apiary. We’ll work with you to identify areas of improvement and give you practical advice for managing your bees.
For more information please visit the listing in our shop or contact us via email
Private training sessions start at £70.
Looking to buy Bees?
Because at Sunnyfields our focus is on providing unforgettable experiences, we don’t have the time to make up nuc’s of bees to sell, but our friends at R & R Bee Company specialise in this very thing and we are proud to be the Norfolk distribution point for them.
Rebecca and Roger Payne raise bees in the South Downs and have many decades of experience as bee farmers, they produce nucs of bees for novice and experienced beekeepers and also supply virgin and mated queens.
You can find more about their bees on their website and when you go to buy your bees just select the Norfolk Collection Point; you will then be notified as to when they will be ready and can collect from us, along with many other beekeepers as they collect their bees too. Our collection point is ideal for anyone in East Anglia, saving you a trip South (our postcode is NR35 2DQ).
If you’re new to beekeeping and need some extra help installing your bees in their new hive, then we offer 121 support; assisting ‘newbee’ beekeepers to move their new colony into their new home- more information on that can be found above and in our shop section.
