COURSES
Learn about beekeeping.
A good way to learn about honey bees is come and chat with beekeepers at one of our public events. Check out the websites of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations and the Ulster Beekeepers Association which answer many frequently asked questions (FAQ).
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Fermanagh & Omagh District Council website also has some interesting (but slightly dated) information on their website.
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​We email news flashes and information sheets on issues that may affect local beekeepers.
We are also host a beekeeper queen-rearing skills programme. Click here for details.
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Courses on beekeeping
Fermanagh Beekeepers’ Association, along with Ulster Beekeepers’ Association (UBKA), CAFRE and Open College Network NI (OCNNI), offer 2 levels of beekeeping education. Both courses are run by well qualified and experienced members of FBKA and follow pathways to an endorsed award.
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For information on content of each course, visit cafre.ac.uk. Put ‘beekeeping’ into the search box. Register interest in the course and CAFRE will get in touch when the course opens. Anyone who experiences any problems with booking please get in contact with us.
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‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ is a Level 1 endorsed course for people interested in beekeeping OR who wish to take up beekeeping OR who wish to refresh their basic skills.
The course consists of seven classroom sessions, followed by sessions in the Association apiary to experience handling bees, learn to recognize the various stages of bee development and gain confidence. After the classroom sessions you will be able to join (once suitably attired!) our outdoor demonstrations at the society’s apiary. Practical sessions are held in the nearby Apiary, Saturday mornings at 10.00 am. Both theory and practical work will be assessed. The fee, including tea and biscuits every night, is just £140.
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‘Proficiency-in-Beekeeping’ is a Level 3 endorsed course to develop and expand on knowledge and experience gained in the introductory course. Entrance requirement to this course is for the applicant to hold ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ qualification or its equivalent. Students are expected to gain practical experience in both their own apiary and the Association apiary. Their skills will be assessed at a time suitable to them and UBKA. The next session of the Proficiency-in-beekeeping course is in November 2023. (This is the UBKA replacement for the old FIBKA intermediate examination.) It is given via zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm at approximately weekly intervals. The full course is 30 lectures over two years between November and March each year. Brian Dane will provide answers to any questions that candidates may have at 07711571420.
Registration for the course is managed by CAFRE and is now open at :