Hello,
I have been offered the chance to put a hive on the above orchard in Redland. Unfortunately as I am a beginner with no real experince apart from a one day introduction to beekeeping course I can't run the hive myself as I need to have the Basic Beekeeping Course Certificate.

I was wondering if anyone who does have this certificate would be interested in joining with me to get a hive started here. I would supply the hive and bees, you could supply the experience. My intention would be to gain enough experience to then take the exam.

Cheers
Brendan

Hello Brendan,

Why do you need to pass an exam to look after the hive? Is is part of the agreement for the orchard land use?

George

It seems thristol cat because the orchard is on the allotment Bristol City Council would require one. That's what Rachel McEntee ,Secretary of the BBKA told me. Notis sure how feasible it is anyway as there is one hive on the allotment and I'm certain that Brian Steadman live close by and I'm assuming he would have a hive or two in his back garden.

If you haven't already it might be worth checking if the allotment is run directly by the council or whether it's an association/committee who manage it as they might have different requirements, i.e. not require that you hold the basic certificate. I can see why they'd want to do it, but it does create a bit of a chicken and egg situation for an Urban beekeeper [just trying to start out]. That being said, working with someone doesn't half make life a lot easier, especially if they're already an experienced Beek.

main thing is just trying to get hold of some outside space so I can get things started. I'll check with the council and see what they say.
Cheers