Beginner Beekeeper Training
Have you become fascinated by bees and are now looking to take the next step in becoming a beekeeper?
You have plenty of options to get started but it always starts with gathering a little bit of information. Whatever your learning style I hope to offer you a way of obtaining the knowledge you need to get started in beekeeping.
Where to Start…
Complete novice at the consideration stage -
Take a look at our online beekeeping basics course.
Wannabee beekeeper -
You’ve made the decision to become a beekeeper or you’d like a bit more detail then thein-person Introduction course or foundation course, provide the fundamental principles of beekeeping.
Got Your Bees?
Head on over to the improvers page where you’ll find information on advanced beekeeping courses and support.
Online Beekeeping Basics Course
The basics of beekeeping- If you’re looking to test the waters before jumping in, or want to get started but don’t know how, then this comprehensive online programme that will leave you feeling confident about what steps to take next 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 beekeeping 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.
We start the morning in the training room discussing bees and beekeeping, understanding the essentials to get started, the second half is with the bees, seeing the colony at work and learning about hive inspections; the why, how and when.
Dates for 2026 are now filled
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 to discuss your requirements.
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.
Your first hive - The Buzz Box Starter Kit
Everything you need to start your beekeeping journey – except the bees!
The Buzz Box Starter Kit designed with beginners in mind, this thoughtfully put-together kit includes all the essential equipment to get you up and buzzing.
Designed by a beekeeper in Essex, utilising the National beehive, this hive has something extra special - windows!
When training beekeepers I often find that in the first couple of years the newbee beekeeper can’t keep away from their hive, wanting to “take a quick peek” or “just check they’re ok”. This hive, with it’s windows not only in the brood box but also in the supers, allows you to take that quick peek between inspections, without disturbing your bees!
The kit is also perfect for beginners as comes with all you need to get going, you just need to add the bees.
Each kit includes the complete National hive including brood box, two supers, all the frames and foundation you need plus smoker, feeder, hive tool, suit and gloves.
Place your order via us and it will be delivered straight to your door within a week, you just need to put it together (the instructions are really easy to follow) and paint it whatever colour(s) you fancy.
Everything you need to start your beekeeping journey – except the bees!
Curious about keeping bees but not sure where to start? The Buzz Box Starter Kit designed with beginners in mind, this thoughtfully put-together kit includes all the essential equipment to get you up and buzzing.
Inside, you'll find a UK National hive (the most common hive type in the UK), a generous-size bee suit, gloves, smoker, hive tool, and feeder – all you need to begin, minus the bees. The hive arrives flat-packed for easy assembly (with the roof and floor already built) and features clever Perspex windows in the brood and super boxes, so you can peek at your bees at work without suiting up – ideal for curious beginners and family bee-watchers!
Created by Mark at Buzz Into Beekeeping, the Buzz Box was born from a desire to make beekeeping more accessible. Much like cooking or gardening, beekeeping comes with a huge range of equipment and options, and as a beginner it can be hard to figure out what you actually need. It can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why Mark developed the Buzz Box starter pack — to make those first steps into beekeeping as easy and straightforward as possible.
Sustainably made from fast-growing Radiata Pine and built with practicality in mind, the Buzz Box is an ideal first step for aspiring beekeepers – or the perfect gift for someone who's always wanted to give it a go.
Quick Info:
Made from responsibly sourced Radiata Pine
Supplied flat-packed with simple screw-together assembly
Includes a UK National Hive;
Brood Box
10 Brood Frames & Wax Foundation
2 Supers
20 Super Frames & Wax Foundation
Roof
Crown Board
Queen Excluder
Hive Floor, Entrance Box & Varroa Board
Feeder
Smoker
Hive Tool
Beekeeping Suit
Pair of Leather Beekeeping Gloves.
Foundation is certified worker size and pesticide-free
📦Please note: Bees not included – but we’re happy to recommend local suppliers!
