Become a Beekeeper

It’s one thing to buy a jar of honey; it’s another thing entirely to open up a hive and realize you’re the one helping those bees thrive. At Draigwen Honey with over 100 hives, we live and breathe Bees every day, here in the heart of Caerphilly.

Whether you’re a total newcomer looking for a life changing hobby or a seasoned keeper wanting to master the art of Queen Rearing, we’ve built our training to be as hands on as it gets.

mother and daughter holding frames of bees learning beekeeping skills

Start Your Journey: The 3-Day Beginner Course

Perfect if you have always been curious but didn't know where to start. We take you from "bee-curious" to "bee-confident" over three immersive days.

  • The Fundamentals: Understand bee biology and the lifecycle of the hive.
  • Practical Skills: Get comfortable opening hives, identifying the Queen, and spotting types of brood.
  • The Essentials: We cover the equipment you actually need (and what you don't) to save you from costly beginner mistakes.
  • Year One Roadmap: Learn exactly what to do from your first spring through to your first winter.

Ready to suit up? Our beginner course fills up fast every spring. Secure your spot in the apiary.

Start Your Journey
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wayne parry, head beekeeper at draigwen honey holding onto a colourful beehive with 6 boxes collecting honey

Level Up: Advanced Beekeeping Sessions

Beekeeping is a lifelong Passion. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the real magic happens in the nuances. Our single session advanced workshops are designed to solve specific challenges and maximize the health and productivity of your colonies.

1. Swarm Prevention & Control

Don't watch half your colony fly into the trees. We teach you how to read the signs early and execute controlled manuervers that keep your bees at home where they belong.

2. Manipulating Hives for Honey Production

Maximize your harvest without compromising colony health. Learn the professional techniques we use at Draigwen to encourage record breaking honey stores.

3. Raising Locally Adapted Queens

Learn to raise hardy, resilient queens that are perfectly adapted to the South Wales climate.

4. Winter Preparation & Survival

The most critical time of year. We’ll show you our exact protocols for feeding, insulation, and varroa management to ensure your Bees are thriving in the spring.

Reserve You Space
a wooden bee hive in south wales covered in snow, prepared and ready for the winter

Everything You Need to Succeed

We don't just teach you and send you on your way. Once you're trained, feel free to contact us with questions anytime you like. We can also provide the bees to get you started.

  • Nucleus Colonies (Nucs): Five-frame starter colonies with a laying queen.
  • Frame Options: We support both National and Dadant setups, so you can choose the equipment that fits your goals.
  • Local Genetics: Our bees are raised right here in Caerphilly, meaning they’re tough, productive, and ready for the Welsh weather.
Get Started

Experience the Thrill of the Bees

Not sure if you’re ready for a full course? Try one of our Beekeeping Experience Days. It’s a relaxed, low pressure way to spend an afternoon in a bee suit and seeing if the "bee bug" bites you.

Give It A Go

Buy Beekeeper Experience Session as a Gift

Struggling with ideas? What do you get someone who has everything?

Give them a day they will never forget!

Buy as a Gift