Come and stay at Embercombe in Devon for an inspiring weekend learning about 'natural beekeeping' in top-bar hives - a bee friendly way to have bees in your garden with the possibility of your own honey harvest, but without the expense and complications associated with commercial beekeeping equipment. The course is facilitated by Phil Chandler the author of 'The Barefoot Beekeeper' (www.biobees.com) and Embercombe's own beekeepers Tim Hall and Jessie Watson Brown. The course is hands-on and as experiential as the weather allows.

This course is for natural beekeepers covering year two and beyond and assumes you have kept bees for at least one season. Basic knowledge of bee biology and the functions of the different castes is assumed, as is reasonable competence in bee-handling. The course will include:

natural swarm management
disease and pests with Regional bee inspector
further study of feeding and overwintering
question and answer time
opportunities to share experiences and group knowledge

The course is hands-on and experiential... come and meet the bees!

Cost includes facilitation, camping in the garden and all meals (organic and from the gardens). Yurt accommodation available for £35.